教徒(きょうと)

Composed of 教(きょう) (teaching, religion) + 徒(と) (follower, disciple). Almost always used in combination with a religion name.

Usage

教徒(きょうと) is rarely used on its own. It functions as a suffix attached to the name of a religion to mean "follower of [religion]." The word is neutral and formal — it does not carry any positive or negative connotation. In news and academic writing, it is the standard way to refer to members of a religion.

Common collocations

• キリスト教徒(きょうと): Christian
• イスラム教徒(きょうと): Muslim
• 仏教徒(ぶっきょうと): Buddhist
• ヒンドゥー教徒(きょうと): Hindu
• ユダヤ教徒(きょうと): Jew (religious sense)

Similar words

• 信者(しんじゃ): believer, follower — can be used for religious followers but also for devoted fans; carries a slightly more personal/emotional tone
• 信徒(しんと): faithful, congregation member — similar to 教徒(きょうと) but often implies active membership in a specific congregation
• 檀家(だんか): temple patron — specifically a household affiliated with a Buddhist temple