How to Say ‘God’ in Japanese
神さま
kami sama
[kami sama]
💬 Usage Tip: [神] means “god/deity,” and [さま] is a very respectful suffix. [神さま] sounds warm, reverent, and common in faith-based speech.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In Japanese Christian contexts, [神さま] often feels gentler and more personal than plain [神]. The suffix [さま] adds respect, like saying “dear God.”
Phrase Breakdown
神
kami
[kami]
god
A respectful word meaning God or a god; 神 is the core noun meaning deity or divine being.
神を信じます。
I believe in God.
さま
sama
[sama]
honorific suffix
A very polite honorific attached to a noun, showing respect. In 神さま, it makes the expression respectful.
お客さまは親切です。
The guest/customer is kind.
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