Translation guide
A celestial maiden is a divine female being from Buddhist or Hindu mythology, often depicted as a heavenly dancer or musician. In Japanese, the most common term is 天女 (tennyo), but related terms like 天人 (tennin) and 天部 (tenbu) exist with broader or more specific meanings.
Refers to a beautiful, divine female being who lives in the heavens, often associated with music, dance, and celestial beauty.
The celestial maiden put on her feathered robe and flew through the sky.
A broader term for heavenly beings, including both male and female. Can refer to celestial maidens but is less specific.
Heavenly beings play beautiful music.
A Buddhist term for the realm of heavenly beings, including celestial maidens. More technical and less commonly used in everyday language.
The gods of the heavenly realm are depicted.
Specifically refers to the Hindu/Buddhist concept of a celestial dancer or nymph, often depicted in art and sculpture.
Also used for apsaras in Buddhist art. The context usually makes the meaning clear.
Celestial maidens are dancing in the mural.
Direct loanword from Sanskrit 'apsaras'. Used in academic or artistic contexts to refer specifically to Hindu celestial nymphs.
Apsaras are celestial maidens from Indian mythology.
天女 (tennyo) specifically means a female celestial being, often a maiden. 天人 (tennin) is gender-neutral and can refer to any heavenly being. 天部 (tenbu) is a broader Buddhist category that includes various celestial beings. For most purposes, 天女 is the best choice when referring to a celestial maiden.