How to say "divine" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 占ううらなうgodan verb, transitive verbThe verb sense: to divine the future, that is, to tell a fortune. This is the common verb for fortune-telling and divination, so for 'divine' as a verb it is the word you want.
- 神かむnoun (prefix)The adjective sense 'divine; godly'. A less common choice, better known as the noun meaning 'god'; as a standalone way to say 'divine' it is seldom the word you want.
- 大御おおみprefixThe honorific sense of 'divine' as 'august', in respectful reference to the emperor or the gods. Less common honorific language; for plain 'divine' this is seldom the word you want.
- 神々しいこうごうしいi-adjectiveThe adjective sense: 'divine' as sublime and solemn. It describes an awe-inspiring, almost godly air, so it suits a person or scene whose dignity seems sacred.
- 占い当てるうらないあてるichidan verbThe verb sense 'to divine'. A less common compound of 占う with 当てる, carrying the nuance of divining correctly; for this sense the common verb 占う is the usual choice.
For the verb 'to divine (the future)' choose 「占う」; for the adjective choose 「神々しい」 for a sublime, solemn air, while 神, 大御, and 「占い当てる」 are less common or restricted options.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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