Translation guide
The English word 'spiritual' covers a wide range of meanings, from religious and supernatural to deeply personal and non-material. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression based on the intended nuance.
Describing something non-physical, inner, or related to the essence of a person
The most common and versatile word for 'spiritual' in the sense of mental, psychological, or inner life. Often used for spiritual health, growth, or support.
精神的な成長は大切です。
Spiritual growth is important.
彼は精神的な支えが必要だ。
He needs spiritual support.
Specifically refers to the spiritual as opposed to the physical, often in religious or supernatural contexts. More formal and less common in daily conversation.
霊的な存在を信じますか？
Do you believe in spiritual beings?
Literally 'of the soul'. Used in poetic or deeply philosophical contexts. Not for everyday use.
魂の旅
a spiritual journey
Connected to faith, worship, or sacred matters
Directly means 'religious'. Use this when 'spiritual' overlaps with organized religion or faith.
彼は宗教的な儀式に参加した。
He participated in a spiritual ceremony.
宗教的な価値観が社会に影響を与える。
Spiritual values influence society.
Pertaining to faith or belief, often personal rather than institutional. Can imply a more heartfelt spirituality.
Involving spirits, ghosts, or unseen forces
The go-to word for spiritual in the sense of ghosts, spirits, or the occult.
彼女は霊的な体験をしたと言っている。
She says she had a spiritual experience.
Means 'mystical' or 'mysterious'. Can be used for spiritual experiences that feel otherworldly or beyond understanding.
神秘的な力が働いていると感じた。
I felt a spiritual power at work.
Describing an experience that touches the soul or gives a sense of transcendence
Literally 'resonates in the heart'. Used for music, art, or experiences that are deeply moving or spiritually uplifting.
この音楽はとても心に響く。
This music is very spiritual.
Literally 'the soul trembles'. A poetic way to describe a profoundly moving spiritual experience.
その景色を見て魂が震えた。
The view was a spiritual experience.
精神的 (seishinteki) is the safest choice for 'spiritual' in most everyday contexts, covering mental and inner life. 霊的 (reiteki) is specifically about spirits and the supernatural. 宗教的 (shūkyōteki) is explicitly religious. Choose based on whether you mean psychological, ghostly, or faith-based.
The loanword スピリチュアル is common in casual talk about New Age topics, but it can sound flippant or out of place in serious discussions about religion or philosophy. Use 精神的 or 宗教的 instead.
It's important to have a spiritual heart.
Loanword from English, often used in New Age or alternative spirituality contexts. Common in media and casual talk about horoscopes, energy, etc.
スピリチュアルなことに興味がある。
I'm interested in spiritual things.