Translation guide
A bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism known for his vow to save all beings from hell. In Japanese, he is called Jizō (地蔵), and is widely venerated as a protector of children, travelers, and the deceased.
地蔵菩薩
Kshitigarbha (the bodhisattva)
Commonly shortened to 地蔵 (Jizō) or お地蔵さん (O-Jizō-san) in everyday contexts.
Referring to the Buddhist figure known for his vow to save beings from hell, especially in East Asian contexts.
The standard Japanese name for Kshitigarbha. Often used with honorifics like 菩薩 (bosatsu) or 尊 (son).
地蔵菩薩は子供の守り神として信仰されています。
Jizō Bosatsu is worshipped as a guardian deity of children.
Full title meaning 'Bodhisattva Kshitigarbha'. Used in formal or religious contexts.
Affectionate, familiar term for Jizō, especially when referring to roadside statues. Common in everyday speech.
Another honorific title, often used in inscriptions or formal names of specific Jizō statues.
Jizō statues are ubiquitous in Japan, often found at roadsides, temples, and graveyards. They are dressed in red bibs and caps by people praying for the protection of children or the safe passage of deceased infants. When referring to these statues, お地蔵さん is the most natural term.
この寺の本尊は地蔵菩薩です。
The principal image of this temple is Jizō Bosatsu.
There's a Jizō statue by the roadside.
この地蔵尊は江戸時代に作られました。
This Jizō statue was made in the Edo period.