涅槃
nehan[ne̞hã̠ɴ]
Nirvana in Japanese is translated as 涅槃 (nehan). Wiktionary also lists 入寂 (nyūjaku).
Meaning: state of bliss (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 涅槃 | nehan | [ne̞hã̠ɴ] (narrow) |
| 入寂 | nyūjaku | [ɲ̟ɨːʑa̠kɯ̟] (narrow) |
The term 涅槃 (nehan) is primarily used in a Buddhist context to describe the cessation of suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to nirvana, 涅槃 (nehan) is the standard Buddhist term for the state of bliss, whereas 入寂 (nyūjaku) is a more specific term often used to describe the death of a high-ranking monk or the act of entering nirvana.
How do you pronounce it?
nehan
Did you know?
- The word 涅槃 (nehan) is a phonetic transliteration of the Sanskrit word 'nirvāṇa'. This means the Japanese characters were chosen primarily to mimic the original sound rather than to convey the meaning of 'extinguished' directly.
- Japanese culture associates the phrase 涅槃 (nehan) with the 'Nehan-zu', a specific style of painting depicting the Buddha's final passing.
- In Japanese Buddhist contexts, the concept of nirvana is often associated with 'emptiness' (kū), suggesting that the state of bliss is not a place one goes, but a realization of the lack of inherent existence in all things.
Examples in context
- 修行の果てに涅槃に至る。Shugyō no hate ni nehan ni itaru.At the end of ascetic training, one reaches nirvana.
- 涅槃の境地とは何ですか。Nehan no kyōchi to wa nan desu ka.What is the state of nirvana?
- 彼は涅槃を求めて旅に出た。Kare wa nehan o motomete tabi ni deta.He set out on a journey in search of nirvana.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a Buddhist philosophy lecture.
- 結衣 Yui涅槃について教えてください。Nehan ni tsuite oshiete kudasai.Please tell me about nirvana.
- 大翔 Hirotoそれは苦しみがない至福の状態です。Sore wa kurushimi ga nai shifuku no jōtai desu.It is a state of bliss without suffering.
- 結衣 Yui大翔さんは興味がありますか。Hiroto-san wa kyōmi ga arimasu ka.Are you interested in it, Hiroto?
- 大翔 Hiroto少し難しいですが、興味はあります。Sukoshi muzukashii desu ga, kyōmi wa arimasu.It's a bit difficult, but I am interested.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nirvana” translations and entries 涅槃, 入寂, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 涅槃, CC BY-SA 4.0.
