1.
believer; adherent; follower of a religion
A person who follows a particular religion. Used as a suffix-like element combined with the name of a religion: キリスト教徒 (Christian), イスラム教徒 (Muslim), 仏教徒 (Buddhist).
キリスト教徒。
A Christian.
彼女は敬虔な仏教徒だ。
She is a devout Buddhist.
この地域にはイスラム教徒が多く暮らしており、モスクもいくつかある。
Many Muslims live in this area, and there are several mosques.
Composed of 教 (teaching, religion) + 徒 (follower, disciple). Almost always used in combination with a religion name.
USAGE:
教徒 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: Christian
- イスラム教徒: Muslim
- 仏教徒: Buddhist
- ヒンドゥー教徒: Hindu
- ユダヤ教徒: Jew (religious sense)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 信者: believer, follower — can be used for religious followers but also for devoted fans; carries a slightly more personal/emotional tone
- 信徒: faithful, congregation member — similar to 教徒 but often implies active membership in a specific congregation
- 檀家: temple patron — specifically a household affiliated with a Buddhist temple