How to say "god" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 神かみnounThe plain, everyday word for a god or deity, whether in myth, legend, or religion; it can also mean a spirit. Use it in neutral contexts, where no special reverence is intended.
- 神様かみさまnounThis is 神 with the honorific 様 added, making it respectful. It is the natural choice for God — the single God of monotheistic religion — and a polite, warm way to refer to any deity.
- 神明しんめいnounA compact Sino-Japanese word for a deity or god. Seldom the word you want in speech — that role belongs to 神 and 神様 — it appears mainly in writing and religious or ceremonial language.
Choose 神 for gods and deities in general, 神様 when you want respect — including the God of monotheism — and treat 神明 as a written, ceremonial word for 'deity' that everyday speech rarely needs.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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