原神
Genshin
原神 is the Japanese name for the popular open-world action role-playing video game Genshin Impact.
What does it mean word for word?
The name is composed of two parts: 原 (gen), meaning 'original' or 'source' and 神 (shin), meaning 'god' or 'divinity'. Together, they can be understood as 'original divinity' or 'primordial god'.
How do you pronounce it?
Genshin
Did you know?
- If you encountered the characters 原神 in an ancient Buddhist text, the meaning would shift away from 'god' toward the concept of the 'original nature' of the human mind.
- While the game title is 原神 (Genshin), Japanese fans often refer to the act of playing it simply as 原神する (Genshin suru), turning the noun into a verb meaning 'to play Genshin'.
- While 原神 is the official title, Japanese players often use the slang term 原神勢 (Genshin-zei) to describe themselves as members of the 'Genshin faction' or community.
Examples in context
- エリザベスさんはゲンシンインパクトのプレイヤーです。Elizabeth is a Genshin Impact player.
- 今日、ゲンシンやろうか？Shall we play Genshin today?
- 原神をプレイしています。Genshin o purei shite imasu.I am playing Genshin Impact.
- 最近、原神がとても流行っています。Saikin, Genshin ga totemo hayatte imasu.Genshin Impact has been very popular lately.
- 原神のキャラクターはとても可愛いです。Genshin no kyarakutā wa totemo kawaii desu.The characters in Genshin Impact are very cute.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about video games at a cafe.
- 陽葵 Himari健太くんは原神をやってる？Kenta-kun wa Genshin o yatteru?Kenta, do you play Genshin Impact?
- 健太 Kentaうん、毎日遊んでいるよ。Un, mainichi asonde iru yo.Yeah, I play it every day.
- 陽葵 Himari私も原神を始めたばかりなんだ。Watashi mo Genshin o hajimeta bakari nanda.I just started playing Genshin Impact, too.
- 健太 Kentaじゃあ、今度一緒に遊ぼう！Jā, kondo issho ni asobō!Then, let's play together sometime!
