Translation guide
The act or process of making someone or something into a god, or treating them as divine. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms related to Shinto, Buddhism, and general reverence, as well as verbs describing the action.
Expressing the concept of making a human into a god after death, or treating someone as divine.
The most direct and common term for deification or apotheosis. Used in both religious and metaphorical contexts.
The deification of heroes is seen in many cultures.
He was deified after his death.
A slightly more formal or literary term for deification. Often used in historical or religious texts.
The deification of the emperor was emphasized in the Meiji era.
Literally 'to enshrine as a god'. Describes the act of deifying someone by enshrining them in a Shinto shrine.
Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined as a god of learning.
Idolization; can imply deification in a metaphorical sense, treating someone as an idol or god-like figure. Often used for celebrities.
That singer is idolized (almost deified) by fans.
Specifically referring to the Shinto practice of deifying humans or natural phenomena as kami.
Same as above, but used in Shinto contexts. The standard term.
In Shinto, the dead are sometimes deified.
Literally 'to become a god'. A more colloquial way to describe deification, often used in myths and stories.
A term for a human who has become a kami (god) after death. Refers to the deified person rather than the process.
Referring to the concept of becoming a Buddha or a bodhisattva, which can be seen as a form of deification.
To attain Buddhahood; to become a Buddha. While not exactly 'deification', it is the closest Buddhist concept of reaching a divine state.
He attained enlightenment and became a Buddha.
To enshrine as a Buddha. Used when a deceased person is venerated as a Buddhist deity.
Using 'deification' in a non-religious sense, such as excessively praising or glorifying someone.
To treat someone like a god. A natural way to express metaphorical deification.
He is treated like a god at the company.
To worship, adore, or idolize. Can imply deification when the object is a person.
Also used metaphorically, as in English 'deification'.
Avoid directly translating 'deification' as 神化 or 神格化 in casual conversation unless the context is clearly religious or academic. For everyday exaggeration, use phrases like 神のように扱う or 崇拝する.
神格化 is the more common and versatile term. 神化 is slightly more formal and often appears in historical or literary contexts. Both are nouns and can be used with する to form a verb.
It is said that he became a god after death.
The worship of deified humans is part of Japanese folk religion.
The high priest was enshrined as a Buddha after his death.
Some fans worship that actor (almost deify him).
メディアによる彼の神格化は行き過ぎだ。
The media's deification of him is excessive.