Translation guide
A Shinto priest is a person who performs rituals and maintains a Shinto shrine. The most common term is 神主 (かんぬし), but other terms exist depending on rank and context.
The most common, all-purpose word for a Shinto priest, suitable for everyday conversation.
The standard, widely understood term for a Shinto priest. Can be used for priests of any rank.
The Shinto priest at that shrine is very kind.
A more formal term referring to the occupation or status of a Shinto priest. Often used in official contexts.
He has ten years of experience as a Shinto priest.
Specifically refers to the priest in charge of a shrine.
Refers to priests who are not the head of the shrine.
A junior assistant priest, lower in rank than 禰宜.
I serve at the shrine as a junior assistant priest.
Terms for priests performing particular ceremonial functions.
An archaic or formal term for a Shinto priest, often used in historical or literary contexts. Can also refer to priests serving at specific major shrines like Ise Jingu.
The Shinto priest performed the ceremony according to ancient rites.
An ancient term for a Shinto priest, now rarely used except in some shrine names or historical texts.
When speaking to a Shinto priest, you can use 神主さん (かんぬしさん) or 宮司さん (ぐうじさん) with the honorific さん. In very formal situations, 先生 (せんせい) may also be used.
Do not confuse Shinto priests with Buddhist monks. Buddhist monks are called 僧侶 (そうりょ) or お坊さん (おぼうさん). Using the wrong term can be culturally insensitive.
The associate priest performed the ritual.
The priest intoned the ritual prayer.