獅子・師子|ししshishi[1]atamadaka (head-high)
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Which spelling to use
獅子獅子 is the more common written form and the recommended choice for beginners; it can refer to a lion or the left-hand stone guardian lion-dog at a Shinto shrine.
師子師子 is a rarely used written variant of 獅子, so beginners should use 獅子 instead when writing.
Definitions
- nounlion
- nounleft-hand (stone) guardian lion-dog at a Shinto shrine
Synonyms & antonyms
- SynonymライオンNeutralNeutral loanword for the animal itself. 「獅子」 is the Sino-Japanese term, favored in cultural and legendary contexts such as 「獅子舞」.
- Synonym唐獅子からじしWrittenWritten term for the guardian lion of Chinese legend or Chinese-style lion designs and artwork; 「獅子」 is the broader word.
For the actual animal, say 「ライオン」. Use 「獅子」 for the lion in culture and legend, as in 「獅子舞」; in written contexts, 「唐獅子」 refers specifically to the Chinese guardian lion or lion motifs.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents


