Translation guide
In Buddhist cosmology, the heavenly realms inhabited by devas (gods or celestial beings). This entry explains how to refer to these realms in Japanese, primarily using the term 天界 (tenkai) or more specific Buddhist terms.
The speaker wants to refer to the realm of the devas in a general sense, without specifying a particular heaven.
The most common and general term for the heavenly realm or celestial world where devas reside. Used in both religious and literary contexts.
He was reborn in the deva realm.
Literally 'the world above the heavens', often used synonymously with 天界. Slightly more literary or formal.
The gods of the deva realm gathered.
The speaker wants to refer to a specific heaven within the Buddhist cosmology, such as the Trāyastriṃśa heaven or the Tuṣita heaven.
The Trāyastriṃśa heaven, the second of the six heavens of the desire realm, ruled by Śakra. A technical Buddhist term.
Śakra resides in the Trāyastriṃśa heaven.
The Tuṣita heaven, where bodhisattvas reside before their final birth. Known as the heaven where Maitreya currently dwells.
The speaker wants to refer to the world or realm of gods in a non-Buddhist or broader mythological context.
Literally 'the land/country of the gods'. Used in Shinto or general mythological contexts, not specifically Buddhist.
A messenger came from the realm of the gods.
Sacred area or divine realm, often used for a physical sacred space as well as a mythological realm.
天界 (tenkai) refers to the Buddhist heavenly realms where devas live, which are still within the cycle of rebirth. 天国 (tengoku) is often used for the Christian concept of heaven or a paradise after death. Be careful not to confuse them in religious contexts.
In Christianity, it is believed that one goes to heaven.
弥勒菩薩は兜率天にいる。
Maitreya Bodhisattva is in the Tuṣita heaven.
その山は神域とされている。
That mountain is considered a realm of the gods.