also: なも
Buddhist invocation expressing reverence, often used in chants like 南無阿弥陀仏 (Namu Amida Butsu). Functions as an interjection or conjunction-like opening in prayers.
Chant 'Namu Amida Butsu' (Hail to Amida Buddha).
He bowed deeply and said, 'Namu' (Hail).
oh no!; good heavens!; oops
Standard kanji spelling for the Buddhist invocation.
Kana spelling used in some contexts, especially when the kanji is considered difficult or when emphasizing the sound.
Historical or dialectal variant reading; rarely used in modern standard Japanese.
From Sanskrit 'namas' (bow, obeisance), via Chinese 南無 (nánmó). The reading なむ is a phonetic adaptation; なも is an older or dialectal variant.