護符
gofu
The English word "amulet" can be translated into Japanese as 護符 (gofu) or アミュレット (amyuretto).
Meaning: protective charm (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 護符 | gofu |
| アミュレット | amyuretto |
In Japanese, the term you choose depends on the cultural context. Use 護符 when referring to traditional Japanese paper charms or talismans. Use the loanword アミュレット when discussing Western-style amulets, Western occultism or items found in fantasy-style settings like video games.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 護符 (gofu) is composed of the characters for 'protect' (護) and 'talisman/charm' (符).
Which one should you use?
護符 (gofu) is the term for a traditional Japanese protective charm, whereas アミュレット (amyuretto) is a loanword used specifically for Western or fantasy-style amulets.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
アミュレット (amyuretto) is a loanword frequently used in media such as video games and fantasy literature.
How do you pronounce it?
gofu
Did you know?
- Traditional 護符 are often sold as お守り (omamori) and are meant to be kept intact. Opening the paper wrapper to look at the charm inside is considered bad luck or a sign of disrespect.
- When a person is finished with a 護符 after a year, they do not throw it in the trash. Instead, they return it to a shrine or temple to be ritually burned in a bonfire called お焚き上げ (otakiage).
- The character 符 (fu) in 護符 originally referred to a tally or a token used to verify identity. Over time, this idea of a 'sign' evolved into the concept of a spiritual seal or charm.
Examples in context
- 私はお守りを持っています。I have an amulet.
- お札を神棚に飾っています。I am displaying amulets on the household Shinto altar.
- 彼は神社で護符を手に入れた。He obtained an amulet at the shrine.
- この護符は災難を防ぐそうです。Kono gofu wa sainan o fusegu sō desu.I heard this amulet prevents disasters.
- 古い護符を大切に持っています。Furui gofu o taisetsu ni motte imasu.I am carefully keeping an old protective charm.
- 旅の前に護符を授かりました。Tabi no mae ni gofu o sazukarimashita.I received an amulet before my trip.
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are visiting a shrine.
- 健太 Kentaこの護符、すごく綺麗だね。Kono gofu, sugoku kirei dane.This amulet is really beautiful, isn't it?
- 陽葵 Himari本当。これを持ってお守りにしよう。Hontō. Kore o motte omamori ni shiyō.Truly. Let's take this as a charm for protection.
- 健太 Kenta陽葵なら、きっと守られるよ。Himari nara, kitto mamorareru yo.If it's you, Himari, you'll surely be protected.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう、健太さん。Arigatō, Kenta-san.Thank you, Kenta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “amulet” translations and entries 護符, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
