Translation guide
The Japanese word 'kami' (神) refers to gods, deities, divine spirits, or sacred beings in Shinto and Japanese culture. It is a broad concept that can include natural forces, ancestors, and extraordinary phenomena.
Referring to a divine being or spirit in the Shinto religion, often associated with natural elements, places, or ancestors.
The standard word for a Shinto deity or spirit. It can refer to a wide range of sacred beings, from major gods to local spirits.
日本の神々は自然の中に宿ると言われています。
It is said that Japanese kami dwell in nature.
Referring to the singular God in religions like Christianity or Islam.
Used for the monotheistic God, often capitalized in translation but not distinguished in Japanese script.
彼は毎日神に祈りを捧げている。
He offers prayers to God every day.
Referring to a god or goddess from any mythology or religion.
Can be used for gods from Greek, Hindu, or other mythologies.
ギリシャ神話の神ゼウスは雷を操る。
Zeus, the god of Greek mythology, controls thunder.
Describing someone or something as godlike, supremely skilled, or revered.
Used colloquially to praise someone's exceptional ability, similar to 'god' in English slang.
あのゲーマーは本当に神だ。
That gamer is truly a god.
Referring to the animistic spirit believed to reside in objects, places, or natural phenomena.
In Shinto belief, even inanimate objects can have a kami. This usage is more spiritual and less common in everyday speech.
この古い木には神が宿っていると信じられている。
It is believed that a kami dwells in this old tree.
Referring to paper, a common homophone of 'kami'.
This is a different word meaning 'paper'. Included here because it is a homophone that learners may encounter.
Do not confuse with 神 (kami, god). Context usually makes the meaning clear.
紙に名前を書いてください。
Please write your name on the paper.
Referring to hair, another common homophone.
Means 'hair'. Another homophone that learners should be aware of.
Context distinguishes it from 神 (god) and 紙 (paper).
彼女は髪を短く切った。
She cut her hair short.
The word 'kami' can mean 'god' (神), 'paper' (紙), or 'hair' (髪). Pay attention to context and kanji to avoid confusion.
Japanese does not usually mark plural. 'Kami' can refer to one god or many gods. Use 神々 (kamigami) to explicitly indicate multiple gods.