神
kami[ka̠mʲi]
The English word "God" is translated into Japanese as 神 (kami). Wiktionary also lists 神様 (kamisama).
Meaning: deity (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 神 | kami | [ka̠mʲi] (narrow) [ɕĩɴ] (narrow) |
|
| 神様 | kamisama | [ka̠mʲisa̠ma̠] (narrow) [kã̠ɰ̃sa̠ː] (narrow) |
honorific |
The term 神 is used to refer to a deity, spirit or divine being. In the context of Shintoism, it can refer to any deity or spirit, rather than being limited to a single monotheistic God.
Which one should you use?
While 神 is the base form for deity, the form 神様 is specifically used as an honorific to express more politeness and respect toward the deity.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
神様 is a more polite and respectful form.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kami
Did you know?
- Japanese speakers may use 神 as a slang adjective to describe a person with legendary skills, such as a 'god-tier' gamer.
- The honorific suffix 様 in 神様 is used because in Japanese culture, the divine is treated with the same linguistic etiquette as high-ranking humans.
- The word 神 is etymologically related to the honorific prefix 御 (mi-), which was historically used to show respect to deities and high-status objects.
Examples in context
- 神は存在する。God is.This sentence demonstrates the use of 神 to state existence.Tatoeba #144905 by tommy_san, translation #269646 by shekitten
- 神などいない。God doesn't exist.This sentence uses 神 to express the non-existence of a deity.Tatoeba #12988545 by small_snow, translation #1232220 by jakov
- 神のみぞが知る。Only God knows.This sentence uses 神 to state that knowledge belongs solely to the divine.Tatoeba #144930 by bunbuku, translation #269633 by Eldad
- 神は偉大です。God is great.
- 神を信仰する人々。People who believe in God.
- 神のお加護を頂戴いたします。May we receive God's blessings.
- 神様、お願いがあります。God, I have a favor to ask.
- 今日、神様にお礼を言いました。Today, I thanked God.
- 神様のご加護に感謝しています。I am grateful for God's blessings.
- 97 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are walking through an old forest near a shrine.
- 美咲 Misakiこの森には神がいるのかもね。Kono mori ni wa kami ga iru no kamo ne.There might be a god in this forest.
- 健太 Kentaそうだね、不思議な感じがするよ。Sou dane, fushigi na kanji ga suru yo.You're right, it feels mysterious.
- 美咲 Misaki古くからの神を祀る場所なんだろうね。Furuku kara no kami o matsuru basho nan darou ne.It's probably a place where an ancient god is enshrined.
- 健太 Kenta美咲、少し静かに歩こうか。Misaki, sukoshi shizuka ni arukou ka.Misaki, let's walk a little more quietly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God” translations and entries 神, 神様, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 神, 神様, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
