What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down as follows: 私 (watashi) means "I", 神 (kami) means "god" or "deity" and を (o) is an object marker that marks kami as the direct object of the verb.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the weight of the words used. Aishiteimasu is a very heavy, profound and often romantic or deeply spiritual word. In contrast, daisuki desu is used for general strong liking or affection, such as in the informal expression Watashi wa kami ga daisuki, which means "I really like God".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression 私は神を愛しています is a formal way to say "I love God". For informal situations, male speakers often use Boku wa kami o aishiteru.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle を (o) functions as an object marker, specifically marking kami (god) as the direct object of the verb aishiteimasu.
How do you pronounce it?
watashi wa kami o aishiteimasu
Did you know?
- The word kami is a homophone for 'paper' and 'hair', though they use different kanji characters to avoid confusion.
- Using aishiteimasu to express religious love is a relatively modern linguistic trend influenced by Western translations of the Bible.
- In Japan, the word kami can refer to spirits or natural forces rather than just a single monotheistic God. This means the phrase could be interpreted as loving many different deities in a Shinto context.
Example conversation
Hime and Yota are talking about their faith.
- 陽葵 Himari陽太さん、信仰についてどう思いますか？Yota-san, shinkou ni tsuite dou omoimasu ka?Yota, what do you think about faith?
- 陽太 Yotaとても大切だと思います。私は神を愛していますから。Totemo taisetsu da to omoimasu. Watashi wa kami o aishiteimasu kara.I think it is very important, because I love God.
- 陽葵 Himariそれは素晴らしいことですね。Sore wa subarashii koto desu ne.That is a wonderful thing.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
