Translation guide
The sun goddess in Japanese mythology, the most important deity in Shinto, and the legendary ancestor of the Imperial family.
Referring to the sun goddess Amaterasu Ōmikami in a religious, mythological, or cultural context.
The standard full name of the deity, used in formal and religious contexts. Literally 'Great Divinity Illuminating Heaven'.
天照大神は日本神話で最も重要な神です。
Amaterasu Ōmikami is the most important deity in Japanese mythology.
A variant name emphasizing her imperial connection, sometimes used in historical or shrine contexts.
伊勢神宮には天照皇大神が祀られています。
Amaterasu Ōmikami is enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine.
An ancient and rare name for Amaterasu, found in classical texts like the Kojiki. Not used in modern conversation.
古事記では大日孁貴として登場します。
In the Kojiki, she appears as Ōhirume no Muchi.
Referring to a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu or a sacred object representing her.
A phrase meaning 'a shrine that enshrines Amaterasu Ōmikami'. Used when talking about specific shrines.
この地域には天照大神を祀る神社がいくつかあります。
There are several shrines in this area that enshrine Amaterasu Ōmikami.
The Inner Shrine of Ise, specifically dedicated to Amaterasu. Often referred to simply as 'Ise Jingu'.
皇大神宮は伊勢神宮の内宮です。
Kōtai Jingū is the Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine.
Discussing myths involving Amaterasu, such as the cave incident.
The Heavenly Rock Cave where Amaterasu hid, plunging the world into darkness. A key myth.
天照大神が天の岩戸に隠れた話は有名です。
The story of Amaterasu hiding in the Heavenly Rock Cave is famous.
The event of hiding in the cave, often used as a set phrase.
岩戸隠れの神話は日本神話のハイライトです。
The myth of the cave hiding is a highlight of Japanese mythology.
Referring to the belief that the Japanese Imperial family descends from Amaterasu.
Means 'ancestral deity of the Imperial family'. A common way to describe her role.
天照大神は天皇家の祖神とされています。
Amaterasu Ōmikami is considered the ancestral deity of the Imperial family.
The Three Sacred Treasures, which include the mirror Yata no Kagami, associated with Amaterasu and the Imperial regalia.
八咫鏡は天照大神に由来する三種の神器の一つです。
The Yata no Kagami is one of the Three Sacred Treasures originating from Amaterasu.
The name is pronounced with a long 'o' in 'Ōmikami'. In hiragana, it is あまてらすおおみかみ. The 'Ō' is sometimes written as 'O' or 'Oh' in English, but the standard romanization is 'Ōmikami'.
Amaterasu Ōmikami is a formal, religious name. In casual conversation about mythology, people might simply say 'Amaterasu' (天照), but the full name is respectful and standard in educational or shrine contexts.