Translation guide
The English word 'angel' can refer to a celestial being, a kind or beautiful person, or a financial backer. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning, from religious contexts to casual compliments.
Referring to an angel as a spiritual messenger or divine being in Abrahamic religions or mythology.
The standard word for 'angel' in Japanese, used in religious, mythological, and fantasy contexts. It directly corresponds to the Western concept of an angel.
彼女は天使の絵を描いた。
She painted a picture of an angel.
聖書には天使が登場する。
Angels appear in the Bible.
A more literal translation, 'messenger of God', used primarily in Christian contexts. It emphasizes the role of a divine messenger.
み使いがマリアに現れた。
An angel appeared to Mary.
Literally 'messenger of heaven', a more descriptive and less common term. It can be used in poetic or explanatory contexts.
彼は天の使いのように思えた。
He seemed like an angel from heaven.
Describing a person who is exceptionally good, innocent, or lovely, often as a compliment.
The same word '天使' is used metaphorically to describe a person with angelic qualities. It's common in casual compliments.
彼女は本当に天使みたいだね。
She's really like an angel, isn't she?
あなたは天使のような人だ。
You are an angelic person.
A common phrase meaning 'angelic' or 'like an angel', used to describe someone's appearance or character.
彼女は天使のような笑顔だ。
She has an angelic smile.
Means 'just like an angel', used for emphasis in casual speech.
その子はまるで天使だ。
That child is just like an angel.
Referring to a person who provides financial support for a theatrical production or a startup company.
The loanword 'エンジェル' is used specifically for an angel investor in business contexts. It's widely understood in startup and venture capital circles.
彼はスタートアップのエンジェル投資家だ。
He is an angel investor for startups.
The full term 'angel investor'. It's the standard way to refer to this role in business Japanese.
エンジェル投資家を探しています。
We are looking for an angel investor.
The word 'patron' can sometimes be used for a financial backer in arts or theater, but it's less specific than 'angel' in the investment sense.
While 天使 means 'angel', it is not used for the financial sense. Use the loanword エンジェル or the full term エンジェル投資家.
Calling someone 天使 is a strong compliment in Japanese, similar to English. It can be used for both appearance and personality, but may sound overly dramatic in formal settings.
彼女は天使だ。
She is an angel.
Can mean either a literal angel or a metaphorical compliment depending on context.
彼はそのスタートアップにエンジェル投資家として投資した。
He invested as an angel in the startup.
彼は劇団のパトロンだ。
He is a patron of the theater company.