宗教

• Reading: しゅうきょう
• Romaji: shuukyou
• Kanji breakdown: 宗 (shuu/sou) — sect, religion, origin; 教 (kyou/oshi) — teach, religion
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯː.kʲoː/

Meaning

Religion; faith; creed. A system of beliefs and worship.

A noun used in both general and specific contexts. Japan has a unique relationship with religion, where many people practise elements of both 仏教 (Buddhism) and 神道 (Shinto) without considering themselves strictly religious. Common phrases include 宗教的 (religious) and 宗教の自由 (freedom of religion).

Examples

1. 日本にはいろいろな宗教があります。 There are various religions in Japan.
2. 宗教の話題は慎重に扱うべきです。 The topic of religion should be handled carefully.
3. 彼女は宗教に詳しい人です。 She is someone who is knowledgeable about religion.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, history, social studies

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 宗 (sect, religion, origin) and 教 (teach, religion). Together they mean the teachings of a sect — an organised system of belief.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal