Kami
/ˈkɑːmi/noun
A Japanese term for a deity, spirit, or sacred presence in Shinto and related contexts.
Did you know?In Shinto, kami can refer not only to gods but also to spirits, natural phenomena, and revered forces, making the word far broader and more animistic than the English word “god.”
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Japanese
Jpn
kami
“A sacred being, spirit, or divine presence; also a person of high rank in some older usages.”
Classical Japanese
Jpn
かみ (kami)
“Used for gods, spirits, and elevated or honored beings.”
Modern Japanese
Jpn
神 (kami)
“The standard word for a god, deity, or sacred spirit.”
Modern English
English
kami
“A borrowed Japanese term used for a Shinto deity or spirit.”