天
Meanings
The physical sky or the heavens as a visible expanse. Common in everyday descriptions of weather and scenery.
When I looked up at the sky, the stars were beautiful.
In Christian and general religious contexts, refers to heaven or God. Often used in set phrases like 天の国 (kingdom of heaven) or 天の恵み (divine blessing).
He was called to heaven.
I give thanks for heaven's blessings.
svarga; deva realm; deva
Buddhist technical terms: svarga (a heavenly realm in the cycle of rebirth) and deva (a divine being). Encountered mainly in Buddhist texts or discussions.
In Buddhism, the deva realm is considered one of the six realms of existence.
Refers to the top edge or upper part of a book. Used in contexts like bookbinding or describing a book's condition.
The top edge of this book is a little soiled.
Specifically the sole of traditional Japanese sandals (zōri, geta). Not used for Western-style shoes.
The soles of the geta have worn down.
Used in a few set expressions like 天の初め (the very beginning). Rare as a standalone word for 'beginning'.
There is a view that everything is predetermined from the very beginning to the end.
tempura (abbreviation)
Abbreviation of 天ぷら. Used in casual contexts, especially in compound menu items like 天丼 (tempura rice bowl).
See also: 天ぷら
Let's have tempura soba for lunch today.
Obsolete abbreviation of 天竺 (India). Found only in historical texts.
See also: 天竺
In old documents, 天 sometimes referred to India.
Usage patterns
- 天を仰ぐto look up at the sky
He looked up at the sky and sighed.
- 天に召されるto be taken up to heaven (euphemism for dying)
My grandmother was quietly taken up to heaven.
- 〈物〉天tempura made from a certain ingredient
I love shrimp tempura.