Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 主 | Shu | [ɕɨ] (narrow) |
| 神様 | Kamisama | [ka̠mʲisa̠ma̠] (narrow) [kã̠ɰ̃sa̠ː] (narrow) |
The term 主 is specifically used as a title for "the Lord" within Christian contexts, particularly when referring to Jesus Christ. In contrast, 神様 is the standard, general term for "God" used in everyday conversation and across various religions. While 主 can also mean a master of a household, the related term 卿 is used to denote a ruler or one having mastery over others.
Which one should you use?
主 is a formal title used specifically for "the Lord" in religious settings, while 神様 is a more general way to say "God" in a broad sense.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To address the Lord directly in prayer or an exclamation, you can add the particle よ to 主 to form the vocative 主よ (O Lord). This form is frequently seen in liturgical contexts, such as in the phrase 主よ、憐れみたまえ (Lord, have mercy).
How do you pronounce it?
Shu
Did you know?
- The honorific suffix 様 in 神様 is the same one used for customers or high-ranking officials. Adding it to 'god' reflects a Japanese cultural tendency to treat the divine as a respected guest or superior within a social hierarchy.
- While 神様 is the word for 'God', the root 神 is used in the word 神社 (jinja), which refers to a Shinto shrine. This highlights a cultural overlap where the same word for 'deity' covers both the Abrahamic God and the indigenous spirits of Japan.
- In modern Japanese pop culture, such as anime or manga, characters might use 神様 as a casual exclamation of disbelief or extreme luck, similar to how an English speaker might say 'My God' without being strictly religious.
Examples in context
- モーセは言った、「ああ、主よ、どうか、ほかの適当な人をおつかわしください」。But he said: I beseech thee, Lord, send whom thou wilt send.This sentence shows how to use the vocative form 主 when beseeching the Lord.Tatoeba #10905831 by SomeHungryBois, translation #7979077 by carlosalberto
- 主の兄弟ヤコブJames, brother of the LordThis sentence uses 主 to identify James as the brother of the Lord.
- 主よ。あなたは、みことばのとおりに、あなたのしもべに良くしてくださいました。You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.This sentence demonstrates a prayerful address to the Lord using 主.Tatoeba #387322 by blay_paul, translation #387321 by blay_paul
Example conversation
A young man and woman are discussing their religious studies.
- 陽太 Yota主は、常に私たちを見守っています。Shu wa, tsune ni watashitachi o mimamotte imasu.The Lord is always watching over us.
- 結衣 Yuiはい、主の愛を感じます。Hai, Shu no ai o kanjimasu.Yes, I feel the Lord's love.
- 陽太 Yota結衣さんも、そう思いますか？Yui-san mo, sō omoimasu ka?Do you think so too, Yui?
- 結衣 Yuiええ、心からそう思います。Ee, kokoro kara sō omoimasu.Yes, I truly believe so.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lord” translations and entries 主, 神様, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
