Translation guide
The practice of ritual purification using cold water, often in a religious or spiritual context. This concept is most commonly associated with Shinto and Buddhist traditions in Japan, but can also refer to similar practices in other cultures.
To express the act of purifying oneself by pouring or immersing in cold water as part of a Shinto ritual, often before prayer or entering a sacred space.
A traditional Shinto practice of standing under a waterfall or pouring cold water over oneself to purify the body and mind. Often performed as a form of ascetic training or before important rituals.
彼は神社で水垢離を取った。
He performed cold-water ablutions at the shrine.
A more general phrase meaning 'to purify oneself with cold water.' Can be used in both Shinto and secular contexts, though it still carries a spiritual nuance.
参拝前に冷水で身を清めた。
I purified myself with cold water before visiting the shrine.
A broader term for ritual purification, often involving water. While not exclusively cold-water ablutions, it is the overarching concept. Can be used in Shinto and general spiritual contexts.
禊のために川に入った。
I entered the river for ritual purification.
To refer to the Buddhist practice of purifying oneself with cold water, often as a form of ascetic training or repentance.
Specifically refers to ascetic practices performed in the cold, such as standing under a waterfall or pouring cold water over oneself, often done in winter as a form of Buddhist training.
彼は毎年冬に寒行を行う。
He performs cold-water ascetic practices every winter.
A general term for water-based ascetic practices, which often involve cold water. Can be used in Buddhist and Shugendo contexts.
To describe the act of washing or cleansing with cold water for hygiene, refreshment, or symbolic purification without specific religious affiliation.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'to wash one's body with cold water.' Suitable for everyday situations without religious connotation.
朝、冷水で体を洗うと目が覚める。
Washing your body with cold water in the morning wakes you up.
Literally 'water bathing,' often implies splashing or dousing oneself with water, which can be cold. Used casually, but can also refer to ritual contexts.
暑いので庭で水浴びをした。
It was hot, so I splashed myself with water in the garden.
The English phrase 'cold-water ablutions' is highly specific and formal. In Japanese, there is no single everyday equivalent. The closest terms are religious or ascetic in nature. For non-religious contexts, use descriptive phrases like 冷水で体を洗う (wash one's body with cold water).
水垢離 (mizugori) specifically involves cold water and is often associated with standing under waterfalls or pouring water over oneself. 禊 (misogi) is a broader term for ritual purification that may or may not involve water, and is not necessarily cold. Use 水垢離 when emphasizing the cold-water aspect.
One trains the mind and body through water asceticism.