How to say "revolutionary" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 画期的かっきてきna-adjectiveThe common adjective for the 'ground-breaking' sense of 'revolutionary': something unprecedented or epoch-making, such as a new technology or approach. It carries no implication of political revolution.
- 革命的かくめいてきna-adjectiveThe adjective for things relating to or characteristic of revolution, and for change so drastic it is likened to one. Choose it over 画期的 when the image of upheaval, not mere novelty, is the point.
- 革命家かくめいかnounA noun for a person: someone who works to bring about or takes part in a revolution. Use it when 'revolutionary' refers to the person rather than to something ground-breaking.
- 革命児かくめいじnounA noun, literally a 'child of the revolution', for a person of revolutionary temperament. It is seldom the plain word for a revolutionary as such; for that, 革命家 is the straightforward choice.
For the adjective meaning ground-breaking or unprecedented, use 画期的; use 革命的 for change on the scale of an actual revolution; for a person, 革命家 is the straightforward noun, and 革命児 a figure of revolutionary temperament.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
