Translation guide
A celestial being refers to a supernatural entity from the heavens, such as an angel, deity, or heavenly messenger. In Japanese, the translation depends on the specific type of being and context, ranging from Buddhist and Shinto terms to general words for angels or gods.
To refer to a winged celestial being, often from Western religious contexts.
She has an angelic smile.
An angel descended from the sky.
Literally 'heavenly messenger', a more descriptive term for an angel. Slightly more formal or literary.
He appeared like a heavenly messenger.
To refer to a divine being from the heavens, often in a Japanese religious context.
The general word for 'god' or 'deity'. In Shinto, kami are spirits or gods, often associated with natural phenomena. Can be used for celestial beings in a broad sense.
The heavenly gods gathered.
A Shinto deity of heaven, often associated with Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. More specific than 神.
To refer to a celestial being in a Buddhist context, such as a deva or tenbu.
Refers to the class of celestial beings in Buddhism, the devas. Often used in the context of Buddhist art and scripture.
Statues of celestial beings are enshrined in the temple.
A heavenly being or celestial nymph in Buddhist cosmology. Often depicted as beautiful, flying figures.
A female celestial being or heavenly maiden, similar to an apsara. Often appears in legends and art.
To refer to a small, magical celestial being like a fairy or sprite.
General term for fairy, sprite, or ethereal being. Not strictly celestial, but often used for magical beings from other realms.
Fairies live in the forest.
Spirit or elemental being, sometimes used for celestial or nature spirits. More ethereal than 妖精.
To refer to a being associated with stars or the cosmos, often in a poetic sense.
Literally 'star spirit', a poetic term for a celestial being from the stars. Used in fantasy or literature.
He shone like a star spirit.
天使 (tenshi) is specifically an angel in the Western sense, with wings and a halo. 神 (kami) is a broad term for any god or deity, including those of Shinto. 天人 (tennin) is a Buddhist celestial being, often depicted in flowing robes. Choose based on the religious or cultural context.
The English phrase 'celestial being' is very broad. In Japanese, there is no single word that covers all meanings. Always consider what kind of being you mean: angel, god, fairy, etc., and choose the appropriate term.
天神様にお参りする。
I pray to the heavenly deity.
天人が空を飛んでいる絵。
A painting of celestial beings flying in the sky.
天女の羽衣伝説。
The legend of the celestial maiden's feather robe.
精霊が宿る木。
A tree inhabited by a spirit.