Translation guide
The English word 'God' most commonly refers to the supreme being in monotheistic religions. In Japanese, the concept is expressed differently depending on context: the Christian God is usually 神 (kami), but the term is also used for Shinto and other deities. This guide helps learners choose the right expression and understand cultural nuances.
Referring to the monotheistic God of Christianity (and often Judaism and Islam).
The standard word for God in Christian contexts. Often used with the honorific prefix 御 (お) in prayer, but 神 alone is common in general speech.
私は神を信じています。
I believe in God.
神の愛は永遠です。
God's love is eternal.
A more reverent or affectionate form, often used in prayer or when speaking to children. The suffix 様 adds politeness and familiarity.
神様、お願いです。
Dear God, please.
Literally 'Creator', used in theological or formal contexts to emphasize God as the creator of the universe.
創造主は天地を造られた。
The Creator made heaven and earth.
Referring to Allah, the God of Islam.
The Arabic word for God, commonly used in Japanese when specifically referring to Islam. 神 is also used but may be ambiguous.
アッラーは唯一の神です。
Allah is the one God.
Can be used for the Islamic God, but context is needed to distinguish from other uses.
イスラム教では、神は唯一です。
In Islam, God is one.
Referring to the God of Judaism.
The standard term, often used in discussions of Judaism. The tetragrammaton is sometimes rendered as ヤハウェ.
ユダヤ教の神はヤハウェと呼ばれます。
The God of Judaism is called Yahweh.
The personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, used in academic or religious contexts.
ヤハウェはイスラエルの神です。
Yahweh is the God of Israel.
Referring to a divine being in polytheistic religions or mythology.
The general term for a god or deity. Can be used for Shinto kami, Greek gods, etc.
ギリシャ神話には多くの神が登場します。
Many gods appear in Greek mythology.
日本には八百万の神がいると言われています。
It is said that there are eight million gods in Japan.
A respectful or affectionate term for a deity, often used in Shinto contexts or when referring to a specific god with reverence.
Used as an interjection expressing surprise, shock, or frustration.
A casual, colloquial expression equivalent to 'Oh my God!' or 'What the heck!' Not religious.
なんてこった！財布を忘れた。
Oh my God! I forgot my wallet.
Very casual slang meaning 'Seriously?' or 'No way!' Used among young people.
まじか！あいつが優勝したの？
Oh my God! That guy won?
Literally 'God!', used as an exclamation in moments of desperation or prayer. Can sound dramatic or old-fashioned.
神様！助けてください！
God! Help me!
Describing someone as exceptionally skilled or revered, like a 'god' in their field.
Used metaphorically to call someone a 'god' in a particular domain. Often in compounds like 野球の神様 (god of baseball).
彼はゲームの神だ。
He is a god at video games.
あの歌手は神と呼ばれている。
That singer is called a god.
Means 'god-level', used to describe something of extremely high quality or skill.
この曲は神レベルだ。
This song is god-level.
English distinguishes 'God' (proper noun) from 'a god' (common noun). Japanese does not use capitalization, so context or additional words (e.g., 唯一神 for monotheistic God) are needed to clarify.
唯一神
the one and only God
神 is neutral; 神様 is more personal and reverent. Use 神様 when addressing God directly in prayer or when speaking affectionately. In academic or interfaith contexts, 神 is preferred.
In Japan, 神 (kami) often refers to Shinto deities, which are numerous and not omnipotent like the Christian God. Be aware that using 神 without context may be interpreted as referring to these native deities. For clarity, specify キリスト教の神 (the Christian God) if needed.
なんてこった、信じられない！
Oh my God, I can't believe it!
お稲荷様は商売の神様です。
Inari-sama is the god of business.