Translation guide
The English word "salvation" covers both religious/spiritual rescue and general deliverance from harm. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 救い (sukui), but the appropriate expression depends heavily on context—religious, metaphorical, or everyday.
Deliverance from sin, spiritual rescue, or attainment of enlightenment in a religious context.
The most general term for salvation, used in both religious and secular contexts. In Christianity, it refers to salvation from sin; in Buddhism, it can refer to spiritual deliverance.
In Christianity, salvation through faith is preached.
He sought salvation in Buddhism.
Often used in religious contexts to mean salvation or redemption, especially in the sense of being saved by a divine being. More formal than 救い.
Believe in the salvation of Amida Buddha.
Specifically refers to spiritual liberation or emancipation from earthly desires and suffering in Buddhism. Not used for Christian salvation.
Attain spiritual liberation through ascetic practices.
Being saved from a difficult, dangerous, or hopeless situation.
Works for both literal and figurative rescue. Can be used in everyday language.
That news was his only salvation.
This medicine became the salvation of many patients.
Refers to physical rescue, such as saving someone from a disaster or accident. Not used for spiritual salvation.
Similar to 救助, but often implies extracting someone from a confined or dangerous place. More formal.
A person, thing, or event that provides relief or a way out of a difficult situation.
Literally 'savior' or 'messiah'. Often used metaphorically for someone who saves a situation.
He is called the savior of the team.
Literally 'a helping hand of salvation'. Used when someone offers help in a desperate situation.
Literally 'life benefactor'. Used for someone who saved your life, either literally or figuratively.
救い (sukui) is the broadest term, covering spiritual, emotional, and physical salvation. 救済 (kyūsai) is more formal and often religious, implying salvation by a higher power. 救助 (kyūjo) is strictly physical rescue from danger.
In English, 'save' is used casually (save time, save money, save a seat). Japanese 救い is too heavy for these. Use 節約する (setsuyaku suru) for saving resources, 取っておく (totte oku) for saving a seat, etc.
山岳救助隊が遭難者を救助した。
The mountain rescue team saved the stranded climbers.
消防士が燃えている建物から子供を救出した。
Firefighters rescued a child from the burning building.
He offered me a helping hand of salvation.
That doctor is my savior (literally, life benefactor).