教徒

• Reading: きょうと
• Romaji: kyouto
• Kanji breakdown: 教 (kyou) — teach, religion, doctrine; 徒 (to) — follower, person, companion
• Pronunciation: /kjoː.to/

Meaning

Believer; adherent; follower of a religion. A person who professes a particular faith.

A noun used to denote a follower of a specific religion. Almost always preceded by the religion name: キリスト教徒 (kirisutokyouto, Christian), イスラム教徒 (isuramukyouto, Muslim), 仏教徒 (bukkyouto, Buddhist). Rarely used alone without a religious modifier. More formal and categorical than 信者 (shinja, believer), which can refer to believers of any doctrine, not just religious ones.

Examples

1. この地域にはキリスト教徒が多く住んでいる。 Many Christians live in this area.
2. 世界中のイスラム教徒がラマダンの断食を行う。 Muslims around the world observe the Ramadan fast.
3. 彼は熱心な仏教徒として毎朝お経を読んでいる。 As a devout Buddhist, he recites sutras every morning.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, demographics, world cultures

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 教 (kyou, teaching/religion) + 徒 (to, follower/person). Literally 'follower of a teaching' — one who adheres to a particular religious doctrine.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal