奇跡
kiseki[kʲi̥se̞kʲi]
The English word 'miracle' is translated into Japanese as 奇跡 (kiseki). Wiktionary also lists 霊験 (reigen).
Meaning: wonderful event attributed to supernatural powers (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 奇跡 | kiseki | [kʲi̥se̞kʲi] (narrow) |
| 霊験 | reigen | [ɾe̞ːɡẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) [ɾe̞ːkẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
The term 奇跡 refers to a wonderful event that is attributed to supernatural powers.
Which one should you use?
While 奇跡 is the general term for a miracle or a wonderful event, 霊験 is used specifically to describe the miraculous power, efficacy or divine manifestation of a deity or a sacred site.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'miracle' as an adjective meaning 'miraculous', add the suffix な to the noun to form 奇跡的な. To express the action of performing or bringing about a miracle, use the verb phrase 奇跡を起こす.
How do you pronounce it?
kiseki
Did you know?
- The word 奇跡 literally translates to 'strange traces' or 'strange footprints'.
- While 奇跡 is the standard word, Japanese also uses the term 神業 to describe a 'miracle' that takes the form of a skill so perfect it seems like the work of a god.
- In modern Japanese pop culture, the word 奇跡 is frequently used to describe the 'miraculous' chemistry or timing between two people in a romance, even without supernatural elements.
Examples in context
- 愛は文明の奇跡だ。Love is the miracle of civilization.This sentence is useful for showing how to describe love as a miracle using 奇跡.Tatoeba #1614261 by Meow, translation #390091 by Scott
- それはまさに奇跡だった。It was nothing less than a miracle.This sentence shows how to emphasize that an event was a miracle using 奇跡.Tatoeba #205390 by tommy__san, translation #42634 by CK
- それは奇跡以外の何物でもない。It's nothing short of a miracle.This sentence demonstrates the phrase 'nothing short of a miracle' using 奇跡.Tatoeba #9830955 by bunbuku, translation #20641 by CK
- 彼の回復は本当に奇跡だ。His recovery is truly a miracle.
- あの勝利は本当にミラクルだった！That victory was truly a miracle!
- あの子の成績は、もう本当に奇蹟やなぁ。That child's grades are truly a miracle.
- あの選手はまさに大化けした！That player truly had a miraculous transformation!
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are watching a beautiful shooting star together.
- 陽太 Yota今、流れ星が見えたよ！Ima, nagareboshi ga mieta yo!I just saw a shooting star!
- 美咲 Misaki本当だ！奇跡みたい。Honto da! Kiseki mitai.You're right! It's like a miracle.
- 陽太 Yota願い事を言わないと。Negaigoto o iwanaito.I have to make a wish.
- 美咲 Misaki私も一緒に願うね。Watashi mo issho ni negau ne.I'll wish along with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “miracle” translations and entries 奇跡, 霊験, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 奇跡, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
