Translation guide
The concept of spirituality in Japanese can be expressed through words related to the spirit, religious feeling, or a sense of the sacred. The most common term is 精神性, but depending on context, other words like 霊性 or スピリチュアリティ may be more appropriate.
To refer to spirituality as a broad concept encompassing inner life, personal values, and the non-material aspect of human existence.
The most common and neutral term for spirituality, referring to the quality of being concerned with the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. Used in both everyday and academic contexts.
He leads a life that values spirituality.
A deep spirituality can be felt in this work of art.
A loanword from English, often used in New Age, self-help, or alternative spirituality contexts. It can carry a slightly trendy or Western connotation.
She is interested in spirituality.
Refers more specifically to the spiritual nature or essence, often with religious or mystical connotations. Less common in everyday speech.
He thinks deeply about human spirituality.
To express spirituality in the context of organized religion, faith, or devotion.
Literally 'heart of faith', this term emphasizes the personal, emotional aspect of religious belief and spirituality. It is commonly used to describe a person's piety or religious devotion.
Her spirituality (religious faith) is very deep.
Similar to 信仰心, but more directly tied to organized religion. It can refer to the religious sentiment or spirituality within a specific tradition.
To convey spirituality as an awareness of something beyond the mundane, a connection to nature, or a sense of awe.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a sense of the sacred'. It captures the feeling of spirituality without tying it to a specific religion.
He finds spirituality (a sense of the sacred) in nature.
Refers to the quality of being mystical or mysterious, often associated with spirituality. It emphasizes the unknowable or transcendent aspect.
To refer to spirituality as a personal practice, such as meditation, mindfulness, or inner work, often separate from religion.
Means 'spiritual training' or 'discipline'. It is often used in the context of meditation, ascetic practices, or self-improvement with a spiritual dimension.
He meditates every morning as a spiritual practice.
While literally 'meditation', it is often used to represent the practical side of spirituality in modern contexts.
精神性 (seishinsei) is the most general and neutral term for spirituality, covering intellectual, moral, and emotional aspects of the inner life. 霊性 (reisei) is more specific to the soul or spirit in a religious or mystical sense, and is less common. スピリチュアリティ (supirichuariti) is a loanword often associated with New Age or alternative spirituality, and may sound trendy or less serious in some contexts.
In Japanese, the concept of spirituality is not always expressed with a single noun. Depending on the context, it may be more natural to use phrases like 心の豊かさ (richness of heart) or 精神世界 (spiritual world). For example, 'She is exploring her spirituality' might be better translated as 彼女は自分の内面を探求している (She is exploring her inner self).
If you have spirituality (faith), you can overcome difficulties.
It is said that the spirituality (religious sentiment) of Japanese people is unique.
この場所には独特の神秘性がある。
This place has a unique spirituality (mystical quality).
瞑想は彼のスピリチュアリティの中心だ。
Meditation is central to his spirituality.