Translation guide
The English word "devotion" covers a range of meanings from deep love and loyalty to religious dedication and focused effort. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression based on what kind of devotion you mean.
Expressing unwavering affection, dedication, and commitment to a partner, family member, or close friend.
Self-sacrificing devotion, often used for dedication to a person or cause. Implies putting the other's needs first.
Her devotion to her husband is truly wonderful.
Deep affection and love. Less about sacrifice, more about warm, caring feelings.
He has deep devotion to his family.
Single-minded, devoted love. Emphasizes faithfulness and focusing all affection on one person.
I was moved by her devoted love.
Describing dedication to a deity, religious practice, or spiritual path.
Religious faith and devotion; the heart of a believer. Commonly used for sincere religious feeling.
His religious devotion is very deep.
Devotion in the sense of taking refuge in a religion or becoming a devout follower. More formal, often used in Buddhist contexts.
Faith and devotion, often used in the context of religious practice and prayer.
Expressing strong commitment and hard work toward a goal, profession, or responsibility.
Devoting oneself entirely to a single task or purpose. Often used with に専念する.
He is devoted to his research.
Enthusiasm and passionate devotion to something. Focuses on the emotional drive.
Also used for selfless dedication to a cause or duty, similar to devotion to a person.
To throw oneself into something; to be devoted to an activity. Casual and common.
Showing steadfast support to a leader, country, or group.
献身 (けんしん) implies self-sacrifice and is often used for devotion to people or noble causes. 専念 (せんねん) simply means concentrating on one thing, without the nuance of sacrifice. Use 専念 for focusing on work or study, and 献身 when you give up something for others.
The loanword デボーション exists but is mainly used in Christian contexts for devotional literature or prayer time. It is not a general translation for 'devotion' and will sound unnatural in most situations.
His devotion to his wife never wavered.
She shows great devotion to her studies.
The monk's devotion impressed everyone.
He devoted himself to Buddhism.
信心深い人々が毎日お参りに来る。
Devout people come to pray every day.
Her devotion to her work inspires those around her.
看護師の献身的なケアに感謝します。
I am grateful for the nurses' devoted care.
彼は毎日ギターの練習に打ち込んでいる。
He devotes himself to guitar practice every day.
To devote oneself in loyalty is the way of the samurai.