Translation guide
The English word 'goddess' can refer to a female deity in mythology or religion, or metaphorically to a woman of exceptional beauty, grace, or talent. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 女神 (megami), but other terms exist for specific contexts.
goddess (female deity)
A female god in mythology or religion.
The standard word for 'goddess' in Japanese, used in both mythological and metaphorical contexts.
Athena is the goddess of wisdom.
She is as beautiful as a goddess.
A heavenly maiden or celestial nymph in Buddhist and Japanese folklore, often depicted as a beautiful, divine female being.
A celestial maiden is flying through the sky wearing a feathered robe.
A 'princess goddess' or female deity, often used in Shinto contexts for a goddess of noble or royal status.
A princess goddess is enshrined at this shrine.
A woman who is so beautiful, graceful, or talented that she is compared to a goddess.
Used metaphorically to describe a woman of extraordinary beauty or charm, similar to English 'goddess'.
She is truly a screen goddess.
A phrase meaning 'a woman of peerless beauty', often used in literary or dramatic contexts.
Literally 'beauty goddess', used to refer to a goddess of beauty (like Aphrodite) or metaphorically to an extremely beautiful woman.
While 女神 can be used metaphorically, calling a real woman 女神 directly might sound overly dramatic or otaku-like in casual conversation. Use with care, or opt for phrases like 絶世の美女 (peerless beauty) in formal contexts.
女神 (megami) is a general term for a female deity from any culture. 天女 (tennyo) specifically refers to a celestial maiden in Buddhist or Japanese folklore, often associated with heavenly realms and feathered robes.
He worships her like a goddess.
She is known as a woman of peerless beauty.
彼女はまるで美神のようだ。
She is like a goddess of beauty.