Translation guide
A bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, known for his vow to save all beings from hell before attaining Buddhahood. In Japanese, he is primarily referred to as Jizō Bosatsu, often shortened to Jizō, and is widely venerated as a protector of children, travelers, and the deceased.
Referring to the Buddhist figure in a religious, cultural, or artistic context.
The full formal name, used in religious texts and formal contexts.
地蔵菩薩は子供の守り神として信仰されています。
Ksitigarbha is worshipped as a guardian deity of children.
The common abbreviated name, used in everyday speech and most contexts.
道端に地蔵が立っています。
There is a Jizō statue by the roadside.
An affectionate, polite form often used when speaking to children or in casual settings.
お地蔵さんにお参りしましょう。
Let's pay our respects to the Jizō statue.
A respectful term, often seen in temple names or inscriptions.
この寺には地蔵尊が祀られています。
This temple enshrines a statue of Ksitigarbha.
Referring to physical representations, often found at roadsides, temples, or cemeteries.
Can refer to the statue itself. Often seen with red bibs and caps.
あの地蔵は赤い前掛けをしています。
That Jizō statue is wearing a red bib.
A reverent term for a Jizō statue, often used by older generations or in rural areas.
村の入り口にお地蔵様があります。
There is a Jizō statue at the entrance of the village.
Jizō is one of the most beloved Buddhist figures in Japan. Statues are often placed at roadsides, graveyards, and temples. They are commonly adorned with red bibs and caps, especially when associated with the protection of children or the souls of miscarried or aborted fetuses (水子, mizuko).