カルト
karuto[ka̠ɾɯ̟to̞]
The English word 'cult' is translated into Japanese as カルト (karuto).
カルト is used to denote a cult. It often carries a strong negative connotation, implying a dangerous or deceptive group. To specifically denote a cult group or organization, it is common to pair カルト with 集団 (shūdan, group) to form カルト集団.
Meaning: sect (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
カルト is a loanword from the English word 'cult' written in Katakana.
Which one should you use?
While カルト carries a negative connotation, the word 宗教 (shūkyō) is the neutral term used for 'religion'.
How do you pronounce it?
karuto
Did you know?
- The concept of a 'cult of personality' is often expressed using the term 個人崇拝 (kojin sūhai), rather than borrowing the English word 'cult' directly.
- While カルト is negative, Japanese speakers use カルト的 (karuto-teki) to describe 'cult classics' or niche trends in a positive or admiring way.
- In Japanese legal and news contexts, many groups described as 'cults' are actually categorized under the neutral term 宗教法人 (shūkyō hōjin), meaning 'religious corporation'.
Examples in context
- 宗教とカルトの違いは何ですか？What's the difference between a religion and a cult?This sentence is useful for illustrating the distinction between a religion and a cult using カルト.Tatoeba #10080114 by small_snow, translation #2724527 by Hybrid
- トムがカルト集団に入ったって、本当？Is it true that Tom joined a cult?This sentence shows how to use カルト when discussing someone joining a group.Tatoeba #8749972 by bunbuku, translation #2800254 by CK
- そのカルトへの彼の積年の恨みが、前総理の射殺となって暴発した。His pent-up grudge to the cult exploded into the gunshot death of the former prime minister.This sentence demonstrates how カルト can be used in a more serious context regarding a grudge.Tatoeba #11307477 by Tanikaz, translation #11307478 by Tanikaz
- 彼らは新興教団の一員だ。They are members of a new religious cult.
- そのグループはカルト的な特徴を持っている。That group possesses cult-like characteristics.
- オカルトに関するカルト宗教は数多く存在する。There are many cult religions related to the occult.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a documentary they saw on TV.
- 陽葵 Himariあのドキュメンタリーは、カルトについてだったよ。Ano dokyumentarī wa, karuto ni tsuite datta yo.That documentary was about a cult.
- 陽太 Yotaカルトの勧誘は本当に怖いよね。Karuto no kan'yū wa hontō ni kowai yo ne.Cult recruitment is really scary, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari陽太君も、変な勧誘には気をつけてね。Yōta-kun mo, hen na kan'yū ni wa ki o tsukete ne.Yota, please be careful of strange solicitations too.
- 陽太 Yotaわかった、気をつけるよ。Wakatta, ki o tsukeru yo.I understand, I'll be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cult” translations and entries カルト, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
