Translation guide
A symbolic hand gesture used in Hindu and Buddhist iconography, ritual, and dance. In Japanese contexts, it most commonly refers to hand gestures seen in Buddhist statues (印相, insō) or hand signs in esoteric Buddhism (印契, ingei). The general term is 印 (in), but learners should be aware of specific compound words depending on context.
The most common meaning for learners: the symbolic hand positions of Buddha statues, each with a specific meaning.
The standard term for the hand gestures of Buddhist images. Used in art history and religious contexts.
この仏像の印相は施無畏印です。
The mudra of this Buddha statue is the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness).
A shorter, more general term for a hand sign or seal, often used in compounds. Can also refer to a stamp or seal in other contexts.
仏像の印には様々な意味があります。
The mudras of Buddha statues have various meanings.
Specific hand gestures used in Shingon or Tendai Buddhist practices, often combined with mantras.
Refers to the hand signs used in esoteric Buddhism, symbolizing the union with the deity. More technical than 印相.
密教では、印契を結びながら真言を唱えます。
In esoteric Buddhism, one forms mudras while chanting mantras.
Literally 'hand seal', used for ritual hand gestures. Can also refer to a thumbprint or handprint in other contexts.
行者は特定の手印を結んだ。
The practitioner formed a specific mudra.
When discussing non-Japanese contexts like Indian dance or yoga, the term mudra is often used as-is.
In yoga or Indian dance contexts, the Sanskrit term is often borrowed as ムドラー (mudorā). Alternatively, you can describe it as ヨガの手の印 (yoga no te no in) or similar.
ヨガでは、ムドラーを使ってエネルギーを整えます。
In yoga, mudras are used to balance energy.
The character 印 also means 'stamp' or 'seal' in everyday Japanese. In non-religious contexts, 印 usually refers to a personal seal, not a hand gesture. Use context to clarify.
ここに印を押してください。
Please stamp your seal here.