Meaning
The kanji 神 (shin, kami) is a core character in Japanese, primarily meaning "god," "spirit," or "deity." It also extends to encompass concepts of the divine, spiritual, and even the wondrous or mysterious. This kanji is central to Japanese culture, especially Shintoism, where countless gods (神々, かみがみ) and spirits (神, かみ) are revered.
Its visual components offer intriguing clues to its ancient origins. The left-hand radical is 示 (shimesuhen), which depicts an altar or a stand used for religious offerings. This radical is commonly found in kanji related to religion, ceremonies, or divination. The right-hand component, 申 (shin), originally depicted a thunderbolt or lightning. It also carries the meaning of "to state" or "to declare."
When combined, 神 suggests a divine manifestation or a deity revealing itself through an altar. This might be accompanied by powerful natural phenomena like lightning, or a declaration from a higher power. It powerfully evokes the awe and reverence associated with the divine. The phonetic element 申 also gives rise to the common on'yomi reading of "shin."
Comprising 9 strokes, 神 is taught to Japanese elementary students in the 3rd grade. This early introduction makes it a relatively common and essential character for learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings originate from Chinese pronunciations and are generally used when 神 forms part of a compound word (熟語, じゅくご) with other kanji.
シン (Shin): シン (Shin) is the most common on'yomi for 神. You'll find it in a broad range of words related to gods, spirits, and the supernatural, often describing abstract concepts or religious doctrines.
神話 (shinwa) — mythology; a story about gods and heroes.
精神 (seishin) — spirit, mind, mentality; often refers to one's mental or emotional state.
神秘 (shinpi) — mystery, mystic; something that is profound and difficult to understand.
神経 (shinkei) — nerve; also means sensitivity or concern.
ジン (Jin): ジン (Jin) is less common than シン, but it appears in several important compounds, often related to specific types of shrines or figures associated with divinity.
神社 (jinja) — Shinto shrine; a place of worship for Shinto deities.
神宮 (jingū) — Shinto shrine, especially one of imperial significance; a grander term than 神社.
軍神 (gunshin) — god of war; a deity associated with military prowess.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are native Japanese pronunciations directly linked to the kanji's meaning. They are often used when the kanji stands alone or is followed by okurigana (送り仮名), which are trailing hiragana characters.
かみ (kami): This is the most common and direct kun'yomi, translating to "god," "spirit," or "deity." It's used for general gods, individual deities, or the divine in a broader sense.
神様 (kamisama) — God, deity (polite and respectful term).
女神 (megami) — goddess; a female deity.
雷神 (raijin) — god of thunder; often depicted with drums.
火の神 (hi no kami) — god of fire.
かん (kan): This reading is found in specific compounds, particularly those related to Shinto rituals, positions, or traditional objects, where 神 acts as a prefix or part of a fixed phrase.
神主 (kannushi) — Shinto priest; the chief priest of a shrine.
神楽 (kagura) — sacred Shinto music and dance; performed to entertain or appease the gods.
Common Words & Compounds
Below are more common words and compounds using 神, grouped by theme. These examples will help you understand its versatile applications in Japanese.
Religion & Spirituality:
神社 (jinja) — A Shinto shrine, a sacred place of worship for Japanese deities.
神道 (shintō) — Shinto, the traditional indigenous religion of Japan, centered on the worship of kami.
神様 (kamisama) — The most common and polite term for God or a deity.
神話 (shinwa) — Mythology, ancient stories about gods, heroes, and the origins of the world.
祭神 (saijin) — The enshrined deity at a particular shrine.
八百万の神 (yaoyorozu no kami) — "Eight million gods," referring to the countless deities in Shintoism.
Divine & Supernatural:
神秘的 (shinpiteki) — Mysterious, mystical, enigmatic; possessing an aura of awe.
神聖 (shinsei) — Sacred, holy, hallowed; something to be revered.
神通力 (jintsūriki) — Supernatural power, miraculous power; often associated with deities or advanced spiritual practitioners.
Human Spirit & Exceptional Skill:
精神 (seishin) — Spirit, mind, mentality; refers to one's mental state or character.
神業 (kamiwaza) — Divine work, superhuman feat, a masterful skill so impressive it seems like a god's work.
死神 (shinigami) — The grim reaper, death god; a personification of death.
Example Sentences
日本には八百万の神がいると言われています。
Nihon ni wa yaoyorozu no kami ga iru to iwareteimasu.
It is said that there are eight million gods in Japan.
彼はまるで神のような才能を持っています。
Kare wa marude kami no yō na sainō o motteimasu.
He possesses a talent as if he were a god.
健康な精神を保つことはとても大切です。
Kenkō na seishin o tamotsu koto wa totemo taisetsu desu.
Maintaining a healthy mind (spirit) is very important.
古代の人々は自然の力を神として崇めました。
Kodai no hitobito wa shizen no chikara o kami to shite agame mashita.
Ancient people worshipped the forces of nature as gods.
神社にはたくさんの神様が祀られています。
Jinja ni wa takusan no kamisama ga matsurareteimasu.
Many gods are enshrined at the Shinto shrine.
神話の世界には様々な英雄や神々が登場します。
Shinwa no sekai ni wa samazama na eiyū ya kamigami ga tōjō shimasu.
Various heroes and gods appear in the world of mythology.
その神秘的な現象は誰にも説明できませんでした。
Sono shinpiteki na genshō wa dare ni mo setsumei dekimasen deshita.
No one could explain that mysterious phenomenon.
その選手の神業のようなプレーに観客は熱狂しました。
Sono senshu no kamiwaza no yō na purē ni kankyaku wa nekkyō shimashita.
The spectators were enthralled by the player's god-like play.
神聖な場所では静かにするべきです。
Shinsei na basho de wa shizuka ni suru beki desu.
One should be quiet in sacred places.
彼は毎日神様に感謝の祈りを捧げます。
Kare wa mainichi kamisama ni kansha no inori o sasagemasu.
He offers prayers of gratitude to God every day.
Memory Tip
To remember 神, focus on its two main components. On the left is 示 (しめすへん), representing an altar or sacred stand. The right side is 申, originally depicting a thunderbolt or lightning. Imagine a powerful flash of lightning (申) descending from the heavens onto an ancient altar (示). This dramatic image signifies the appearance or declaration of a god or spirit. Alternatively, visualize a priest "declaring" (申) the will of the god at the "altar" (示).