輪廻転生
rinne tenshou
The Japanese word for reincarnation is 輪廻転生 (rinne tenshou).
輪廻転生 refers to fresh embodiment. It is most commonly used in religious, philosophical or supernatural contexts, such as in Buddhism or fantasy fiction.
Meaning: fresh embodiment (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is a compound of 輪廻 (rinne), meaning the cycle of death and rebirth and 転生 (tenshou), meaning rebirth or reincarnation.
How do you pronounce it?
rinne tenshou
Did you know?
- The term 輪廻 is derived from the Sanskrit word saṃsāra. This reflects the historical journey of Buddhist philosophy from India through China and into Japan.
- In some Japanese Buddhist traditions, the concept of 輪廻 is depicted as a 'Six Realm' wheel, where beings can be reborn as humans, animals, hungry ghosts, hell-beings, asuras or gods.
- The term 転生 is often used in modern Japanese internet slang to describe a complete 'reset' or fresh start in one's life or career, mirroring the fantasy trope of starting over in a new world.
Examples in context
- 魂の転生についての哲学的な議論は古代から存在します。Philosophical discussions on the transmigration of souls have existed since ancient times.
- 彼女は何度も生まれ変わると信じている。She believes in being reborn multiple times.
- あの漫画は、転生がテーマになっている。That manga revolves around the theme of reincarnation.
- 輪廻転生を信じますか？rinne tenshō o shinjimasu ka?Do you believe in reincarnation?
- 輪廻転生はとても神秘的な概念です。rinne tenshō wa totemo shinpiteki na gainen desu.Reincarnation is a very mysterious concept.
- 物語のテーマは輪廻転生です。monogatari no tēma wa rinne tenshō desu.The theme of the story is reincarnation.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a fantasy movie at a cafe.
- 結衣 Yuiこの映画は輪廻転生がテーマなの。kono eiga wa rinne tenshō ga tēma na no.This movie is themed around reincarnation.
- 陽太 Yotaそれなら、結末がすごく感動的そうだね。sore nara, ketsumatsu ga sugoku kandōteki sō da ne.In that case, the ending seems like it would be very moving.
- 結衣 Yui本当に、陽太もきっと気に入ると思うよ。hontō ni, yōta mo kitto kiniiru to omou yo.Really, I think you will definitely like it too, Yota.
- 陽太 Yotaそんなに面白いなら、見てみたいよ。sonna ni omoshiroi nara, mite mitai yo.If it is that interesting, I want to see it.
