Translation guide
Guanyin is the Chinese name for the bodhisattva of compassion, known as Kannon in Japanese. This entry explains how to refer to Guanyin/Kannon in Japanese, covering religious contexts, common names, and cultural references.
Referring to the Buddhist deity of mercy and compassion, known as Guanyin in Chinese and Kannon in Japanese.
The standard Japanese name for the bodhisattva of compassion. Used in most contexts, including temples, prayers, and general discussion.
At Senso-ji in Asakusa, Kannon is enshrined.
A more formal, full name for Kannon, meaning 'the one who perceives the sounds of the world.' Used in sutras and formal Buddhist contexts.
An alternative name used in some Buddhist texts, particularly in the Heart Sutra. Less common in everyday reference.
Using a respectful title when speaking about or to Kannon, often in prayer or at temples.
Referring to particular iconographic forms of Kannon, such as the thousand-armed or eleven-faced versions.
Referring to temples or locations that are dedicated to Kannon or have 'Kannon' in their name.
Many temples are named with the suffix 観音, such as 浅草観音 (Asakusa Kannon) for Senso-ji. This pattern is common in temple names.
In Chinese Buddhism, Guanyin is often depicted as female, but in Japanese Buddhism, Kannon is generally considered genderless or can appear in either male or female form. When speaking Japanese, avoid assuming a specific gender unless referring to a particular statue or depiction.
観音経はよく読まれているお経です。
The Kannon Sutra is a commonly recited sutra.
観世音菩薩は慈悲の象徴です。
Kanzeon Bosatsu is a symbol of compassion.
In the Heart Sutra, he is called Kanjizai Bosatsu.
The most common respectful way to refer to Kannon, adding the honorific suffix 様 (さま). Used in everyday speech and at temples.
I went to pray to Kannon.
May we receive Kannon's protection.
Refers to Kannon as a bodhisattva (菩薩). Common in Buddhist contexts and when discussing the deity's role.
Kannon Bosatsu transforms into many forms to save people.
Thousand-armed Kannon, a popular form representing the ability to reach out to all beings.
At Sanjusangen-do, there are a thousand statues of Senju Kannon.
Eleven-faced Kannon, a form with eleven heads symbolizing the ability to see suffering in all directions.
Juichimen Kannon is famous at Hase-dera in Nara.
Kannon with the wish-fulfilling jewel and wheel, often depicted in a relaxed pose.
Nyoirin Kannon is depicted in a half-lotus contemplative pose.
Asakusa Kannon is one of the most famous temples in Tokyo.
A sacred site or pilgrimage route dedicated to Kannon, such as the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.
The Saigoku 33 temples are a famous Kannon pilgrimage.
Kannon is said to be both male and female.
The Chinese name 'Guanyin' is not commonly used in Japanese. If you say 'Guanyin' to a Japanese speaker, they may not immediately understand. Always use 'Kannon' (観音) in Japanese contexts. If you need to clarify the Chinese origin, you can say 中国の観音 (ちゅうごくのかんのん, 'Chinese Kannon').