利他主義
ritashugi[ɾʲita̠ɕɨɡʲi]
Altruism in Japanese is 利他主義 (ritashugi). Wiktionary also lists 利他 (rita).
Meaning: policy that benefits others' interests (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 利他主義 | ritashugi | [ɾʲita̠ɕɨɡʲi] (narrow) |
| 利他 | rita | [ɾʲita̠] (narrow) |
The term refers to a policy that benefits others' interests. The shorter form, 利他, is often used as a noun or a prefix to describe actions or concepts focused on benefiting others.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 利他主義 is composed of 利 (benefit/profit), 他 (other) and 主義 (ism/principle).
Which one should you use?
利他主義 represents the philosophical 'ism' of altruism. In contrast, the term 利己主義 means egoism, which uses the character 己 (self) instead of 他 (other).
How do you pronounce it?
ritashugi
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific concept called 思いやり (omoiyari), a form of intuitive altruism where a person anticipates another's needs before they are even expressed.
- The term 利他 (rita) is used in Japanese Buddhism as a specific spiritual practice essential for reaching enlightenment, not just as a general social virtue.
- If your altruism is perceived as being too intrusive or unsolicited, Japanese speakers might label your actions as おせっかい (osekkai) instead of praising your virtue.
Examples in context
- 彼の一生は完全に利他主義に基づいていた。His entire life was based on altruism.
- 彼女はいつも人助けをするために時間を割いている。She always takes time to help others.
- 彼は常に他人思いの言動を見せる。He always demonstrates considerate words and actions.
- 彼の利他主義は素晴らしい。Kare no rita shugi wa subarashii.His altruism is wonderful.
- 利他主義に基づいた行動をとる。Rita shugi ni motozuita koudou o toru.I will act based on altruism.
- 真の利他主義とは何か。Shin no rita shugi to wa nani ka.What is true altruism?
Example conversation
A university student and a teacher are discussing philosophy.
- 蓮 Ren利他主義についてどう思いますか？Rita shugi ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?What do you think about altruism?
- 陽葵 Himariとても大切な考えだと思います。Totemo taisetsu na kangae da to omoimasu.I think it is a very important idea.
- 蓮 Ren陽葵さんは、利他主義を実践していますか？Himari-san wa, rita shugi o jissen shite imasu ka?Himari, do you practice altruism?
- 陽葵 Himari意識して、困っている人を助けたいです。Ishiki shite, komatte iru hito o tasuketai desu.I want to be conscious of it and help people in need.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “altruism” translations and entries 利他主義, 利他, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
