Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a deceased person's spirit is expressed through several culturally distinct terms. The most common and neutral word is 霊 (rei), but the choice depends on context: whether you're talking about a soul in a religious sense, a ghostly apparition, or an ancestral spirit. This guide helps you choose the right word for the situation.
Referring to the spirit of someone who has died, in a general or neutral sense.
The most common and neutral term for a spirit or soul, especially of the deceased. Used in both religious and everyday contexts.
I feel like his spirit is still in this house.
Refers to the soul or spirit, often with a nuance of the life force or essence. Can be used for both living and dead, but context makes it clear.
死者の魂を慰める儀式
a ritual to comfort the souls of the dead
Specifically a spirit of the dead, often with a nuance of a ghost or apparition. More literary or dramatic than 霊.
古城には亡霊が出るという噂だ。
Rumor has it that a ghost appears in the old castle.
Talking about the spirit of an ancestor, especially in a religious or familial context, often with respect.
Ancestral spirit, used in Shinto or general ancestor worship contexts. Implies reverence.
祖霊を祀る祭り
a festival to honor ancestral spirits
A respectful term for a spirit, especially of a deceased person. Often used in Shinto contexts or for spirits of the honored dead.
Describing a visible or tangible ghost, often with a scary or eerie nuance.
The standard word for a ghost, typically a visible apparition of a dead person. Often associated with Japanese horror.
夜中に幽霊を見た。
I saw a ghost in the middle of the night.
A more general term for ghost or monster, often used by children or in casual speech. Can be less specifically a deceased person.
A vengeful spirit or ghost, often from Japanese folklore. Implies a grudge-holding dead person.
Referring respectfully to the spirit of a particular person who has died, often in formal or religious speech.
Spirits of the war dead, especially those who died for their country. Used in formal, often nationalistic contexts.
英霊に敬意を表する。
We pay respect to the spirits of the fallen soldiers.
霊 is the broadest term for spirit, often used in compounds. 魂 emphasizes the soul or life essence, and can refer to living beings as well. 幽霊 specifically means a visible ghost or apparition, often with a scary connotation. Use 霊 for general references to the spirit of a dead person, 魂 when talking about the soul in a philosophical or emotional sense, and 幽霊 for ghost stories.
霊の存在を信じますか？
Do you believe in the existence of spirits?
彼の魂は安らかに眠っている。
His soul rests in peace.
幽霊屋敷として有名だ。
It's famous as a haunted house.
English 'spirit' can also mean mood, alcohol, or enthusiasm. Do not use 霊 for those meanings. For 'team spirit', use 団結心 (danketsushin) or 士気 (shiki). For 'alcoholic spirits', use 蒸留酒 (jouryuushu) or スピリッツ (supirittsu).
to comfort the spirits of the war dead
Is it true that ghosts appear?
怨霊を鎮めるための祈祷
a prayer to appease a vengeful spirit