Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common word for meditation is 瞑想 (meisō), but the concept is deeply tied to Zen Buddhism and traditional practices. The best translation depends on context: general mindfulness, religious practice, or seated meditation.
The act of calming the mind, often for relaxation or mental clarity, without strong religious connotations.
The standard word for meditation in modern Japanese. Covers both secular mindfulness and some religious contexts.
毎朝10分間瞑想しています。
I meditate for 10 minutes every morning.
Loanword from English, often used for secular, Western-style meditation or mindfulness apps.
メディテーションアプリを使っています。
I use a meditation app.
Specifically the seated meditation practice in Zen Buddhism, focusing on posture and breathing.
Refers to the formal seated meditation of Zen Buddhism. Often practiced in temples.
週末に寺で座禅を組みます。
I do zazen at a temple on weekends.
Zen Buddhism as a whole, but can imply meditation in context. Often used in compound words.
禅の修行をしています。
I am practicing Zen meditation.
Thinking deeply about something, often in a quiet, focused manner.
Silent contemplation or meditation, often with a connotation of deep thought rather than just mindfulness.
彼は目を閉じて黙想にふけった。
He closed his eyes and was lost in meditation.
Meditation in the context of other Buddhist sects or spiritual traditions.
Visualization meditation, often used in esoteric Buddhism (Shingon, Tendai).
観想によって仏を心に描く。
Through meditation, one visualizes the Buddha in the mind.
The meditative recitation of the Buddha's name, especially in Pure Land Buddhism. Not exactly 'meditation' but a related practice.
瞑想 (meisō) is the broad term for meditation, including secular mindfulness. 座禅 (zazen) specifically refers to the seated meditation of Zen Buddhism. If you are talking about a Zen temple practice, use 座禅. For general meditation, use 瞑想.
ヨガの後に瞑想をする。
I meditate after yoga.
座禅を組んで心を落ち着ける。
I sit in zazen to calm my mind.
メディテーション is a loanword and feels modern or Western. It's common in contexts like mindfulness apps, yoga studios, or corporate wellness programs. It may sound out of place in traditional settings.
私は毎日瞑想をしています。
I practice meditation every day.
彼は座禅をしに寺へ行った。
He went to the temple for zazen meditation.
A four-character compound meaning deep meditation or profound thought. Literary and formal.
沈思黙考の末、決断した。
After deep meditation, he made a decision.
毎日念仏を唱えています。
I chant the nembutsu every day.