神
kami[ka̠mʲi]
In Japanese, kami means a god or spirit in the Shinto religion.
The term kami refers to a broad range of spirits, including deities, nature spirits and even extraordinary human beings. It is important to note that kami is distinct from the Western concept of a single, omnipotent God, as Shinto involves a plurality of spirits rather than a single monotheistic entity.
Meaning: a god or spirit in the Shinto religion of Japan (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
kami
Did you know?
- While it sounds identical to the Japanese words for 'hair' and 'upper/top', the word 神 is unrelated to them and is written with a completely different kanji.
- The term shares a common ancestor with the Ainu word kamuy, which refers to spirits and gods in the indigenous language of northern Japan.
Examples in context
- 神道でいう神は無数にあり、初めは自然物や自然現象をも神としていた。All natural objects and phenomena used to be considered as having kami, so the gods of Shinto were uncountably numerous.This sentence illustrates how natural objects and phenomena can be considered as having 神.Tatoeba #1018176 by yurusu, translation #1018178 by yurusu
- この山には古い神が祀られている。Kono yama ni wa furui kami ga matsura rete iru.An ancient god is enshrined in this mountain.
- 人々は自然の中に神を見出す。Hitobito wa shizen no naka ni kami o miidasu.People find gods within nature.
Example conversation
Two siblings are visiting a small shrine in the mountains.
- 陽葵 Himariこの神社にはどんな神様がいるの？Kono jinja ni wa donna kamisama ga iru no?What kind of god is at this shrine?
- 陽太 Yotaきっと、自然を守る神がいるんだよ。Kitto, shizen o mamoru kami ga iru n da yo.Surely, there is a god who protects nature.
- 陽葵 Himari神様が近くにいる気がするね。Kamisama ga chikaku ni iru ki ga suru ne.I feel like the god is nearby.
- 陽太 Yotaそうだね、静かでいい場所だ。Sou dane, shizuka de ii basho da.You're right, it's a quiet and nice place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kami” translations and entries 神, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 神, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
