Translation guide
A demigod is a being with partial or lesser divine status, often the offspring of a god and a mortal. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific mythological terms, descriptive phrases, or borrowed words, depending on context.
Referring to a classical demigod like Hercules, a hero born from a god and a human.
Hercules is known as a demigod.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'child of a god and a human'. More explanatory than 半神.
He is a child of a god and a human.
Literally 'half-god, half-human'. A more explicit compound, often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
That hero was a half-god, half-human being.
Referring to a human who has been elevated to divine status, or a minor god.
Means 'deified human'. Used when a mortal is worshipped as a god, similar to some demigod concepts.
The emperor was worshipped as a deified human after death.
Means 'minor deity' or 'lesser god'. Can be used for demigods in a polytheistic hierarchy.
Describing a person who seems superhuman, like a sports star or genius.
Using the English loanword in Japanese contexts, often in games or fantasy.
Direct loanword from English. Used primarily in video games, fantasy novels, or Western mythology discussions.
In this game, you play as a demigod.
半神 is the established term for demigod in mythology, while 神と人の子 is a more literal, descriptive phrase. Use 半神 for formal or academic contexts, and 神と人の子 when explaining the concept to someone unfamiliar with the term.
When calling someone a 'demigod' figuratively, do not use 半神. Instead, use phrases like 神のような存在 or 人間離れした to sound natural.
Many minor deities appear in Greek mythology.
I'm amazed by her superhuman memory.