How to Say "Shinigami" in Japanese

死神

shinigami

shinigami is the Japanese word for god of death.

The term 死神 refers to a god of death and is appropriate to use in formal contexts, such as when discussing mythology, ancient religion or literature.

Meaning: god of death (noun)

What does it mean word for word?

The word is composed of 死 (shi), meaning death and 神 (kami), meaning god or spirit.

shinigami

The word shi meaning 'death' is a homophone for the number four in Japanese. Because of this, the number four is considered unlucky and is often avoided in hospitals and hotels.
In Japanese folklore, a shinigami is often seen as a personified force that nudges people toward death rather than a monster that kills them.
Unlike the Western 'Grim Reaper' who is often silent, different versions of shinigami in Japanese tales can be talkative, mischievous, or even helpful.

古代の文献によく死神が出てきます。
In ancient texts, shinigami often appear.
神話では、死神は亡者の魂を案内する役目がある。
In mythology, shinigami have the role of guiding the souls of the deceased.
死神はとても恐ろしい存在です。
Shinigami wa totemo osoroshii sonzai desu.
A god of death is a very fearsome existence.
その物語には死神が登場します。
Sono monogatari ni wa shinigami ga toujou shimasu.
A god of death appears in that story.
死神の伝説を聞いたことがありますか？
Shinigami no densetsu o kiita koto ga arimasu ka?
Have you heard the legend of the god of death?

Two friends are discussing a horror movie they just watched.

陽葵 Himari

あの映画の死神は怖かったね。
Ano eiga no shinigami wa kowakatta ne.
The god of death in that movie was scary, wasn't it?
健太 Kenta

そうだね、本当に不気味だったよ。
Sou da ne, hontou ni bukimi datta yo.
Yeah, it was truly creepy.
陽葵 Himari

健太君は死神を信じる？
Kenta-kun wa shinigami o shinjiru?
Kenta, do you believe in gods of death?
健太 Kenta

いや、全く信じないよ。
Iya, mattaku shinjinai yo.
No, I don't believe in them at all.

Sources

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