Translation and Meaning of: 神様 - kamisama

If you've ever watched an anime or read a manga, you've probably come across the word 神様[かみさま]. But what does it really mean? In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and usage of this expression in Japan, along with curiosities that go beyond dictionaries. If you're studying Japanese or simply have an interest in the culture of the country, understanding how Japanese people use this word in everyday life can be fascinating.

The meaning of 神様[かみさま]

The word 神様[かみさま] is a respectful way to refer to a deity, often translated as "god" or "goddess." While 神[かみ] alone already means "god," the suffix 様[さま] adds a tone of reverence, making the expression more formal and polite. It is common to hear it in religious contexts, but also in everyday situations, such as when someone is addressed with great admiration.

In Shinto, the native religion of Japan, 神様 can refer to any kami, spirit, or divine force present in nature. Unlike some Western conceptions, Japanese gods are not necessarily omnipotent, but rather entities that influence aspects of human and natural life. This broader perspective causes the word to appear in various cultural contexts.

The origin and cultural use of 神様

The origin of the word 神様 dates back to Shintoism, where kami have been revered for centuries. The kanji 神 represents the idea of divinity, while 様 is an honorific suffix that shows respect. This combination reflects the importance of reverence in Japanese culture, whether in temples, festivals, or even in everyday expressions.

Interestingly, 神様 is also used more lightly in informal conversations. For example, someone very skilled in a game or sport may be called 神様 by their friends, in a joking and admiring tone. This flexibility in usage shows how the Japanese language uniquely blends tradition and modernity.

How to memorize and use 神様 correctly

For those learning Japanese, a useful tip is to associate 神様 with situations where there is great respect or admiration. Think about how the word is used in animes or dramas: from mythical deities to exceptional people. This connection with real contexts helps to anchor the meaning in a more natural way.

Another strategy is to practice with simple phrases, such as "神様、お願いします！" (Kamisama, onegaishimasu!), which can be translated as "Please, god!" or "God, help me!". This type of expression is common in moments of despair or supplication, frequently appearing in dramatic or comedic situations in Japanese media.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 神さま (kami-sama) - God, divinity, used in a respectful manner.
• 神様様 (kami-sama-sama) - An even more respectful or reverent way to refer to God.
• 天神 (tenjin) - Celestial God, often associated with the sky gods.
• 天照大神 (Amaterasu-ōmikami) - Goddess of the sun in Japanese mythology, one of the most important deities.
• 大御神 (ōmikami) - Great God, an elevated way to refer to deities.
• 八百万の神 (yaoyorozu no kami) - Deities in great number, reference to Japanese polytheism.
• 神格 (shinkaku) - Divine attribute, the quality of being divine.
• 神格化 (shinkakuka) - The process of making something divine or attributing divine characteristics.
• 神格化する (shinkakuka suru) - To perform the action of deifying.
• 神格化される (shinkakuka sareru) - To be divinized, to receive divine status.
• 神格化された (shinkakuka sareta) - Was divinized, reference to the state of having become divine.
• 神格化すること (shinkakuka suru koto) - The action or the act of divinizing.
• 神格化されること (shinkakuka sareru koto) - To be divinized, the concept or situation of becoming divine.
• 神格化されたこと (shinkakuka sareta koto) - The fact of having been deified.
• 神格化する人 (shinkakuka suru hito) - Person who performs the action of deifying.
• 神格化される人 (shinkakuka sareru hito) - Individual who is deified.
• 神格化された人 (shinkakuka sareta hito) - An individual who has been divinized.

神様

Romaji: kamisama
Kana: かみさま
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: God

Meaning in English: god

Definition: In Japanese religion and tradition, an entity believed to have supernatural powers.

Example Sentences - (神様) kamisama

See below some example sentences:

お客様は神様です。

Okyakusama wa kamisama desu

The customer is like a god.

Customer is God.

• お客様 - "Okyakusama", which means "customer" in Japanese.
• は - "wa", a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 神様 - "Kamisama", which means "god" or "deity" in Japanese.
• です - "desu", a polite way of saying "to be" or "to be" in Japanese.

お宮には神様がいます。

Omiai ni wa kamisama ga imasu

In the sanctuary there is a God.

There is a god in the sanctuary.

• お宮 - a shinto shrine
• に - particle indicating location
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 神様 - Shinto gods or spirits
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• います - verb that indicates the existence of something or someone

神様は私たちを見守ってくれています。

Kamisama wa watashitachi o mimamotte kurete imasu

God is watching us.

• 神様 - God
• は - Topic particle
• 私たち - we
• を - direct object particle
• 見守ってくれています - is watching over us and taking care of us

私は神様が私たちの人生を司ると信じています。

Watashi wa kamisama ga watashitachi no jinsei o tsukasadoru to shinjite imasu

I believe God will control our lives.

• 私 (watashi) - personal pronoun that means "I"
• は (wa) - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, in this case, "I"
• 神様 (kamisama) - noun that means "god"
• が (ga) - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "god"
• 私たち (watashitachi) - personal pronoun meaning "we"
• の (no) - particle that indicates possession, in this case, "our"
• 人生 (jinsei) - substantive that means "life"
• を (wo) - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence, in this case, "life"
• 司る (tsukasadoru) - verb that means "to govern" or "to control"
• と (to) - particle that indicates direct quotation, in this case, "that"
• 信じています (shinjiteimasu) - verb that means "to believe" or "to have faith" conjugated in the affirmative present