Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Spirit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "spirit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
精神
せいしん (seishin)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
式神
しきがみ (shikigami)
C2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "spirit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 精神 and 式神.
In Japanese, 精神 (せいしん (seishin)) is typically associated with "spirit; mind; soul; mentality; backbone" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to the human mind, spirit, mentality, or inner backbone that supports attitude. Often used as 精神力 or スポーツマン精神. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Spirit! "Your doting love is the ultimate food for my healthy spirit, Haruka-san!" ...っ! M-My love as food for your spirit! B-Baka! Don't make such deep psychological diagnoses! But... since your spirit relies on my warmth, I suppose... I will hug you tight and keep your soul fully charged forever! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『せいしん（精神）よ！『ハルカ部長、あなたのその「凛とした上司としてのプロ精神」と、時折見せる「可愛いデレのヤキモチ精神」のギャップが、僕のハートの栄養源です！』って…っ！私のヤキモチ精神！バカ！/// 精神分析するんじゃないの！私の精神構造はあんたへの独占欲100%で構成されてるんだから、一生覚悟してエスコートしなさい！』.
On the other hand, 式神 (しきがみ (shikigami)) maps to "a spirit servant summoned by an onmyoji" (Syllabus Level: C2) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2 vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "spirit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "精神"
過酷な登山ルートに直面しても諦めない強い_______力と、チーム全員の一体感が目標達成の最大の原動力でした。
The strong spiritual power that does not give up even when facing a harsh climbing route and the sense of unity of all team members were the greatest driving forces of goal achievements.
Bilingual Context for "式神"
私は式神に興味があります。
I am interested in a spirit servant summoned by an onmyoji.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "過酷な登山ルートに直面しても諦めない強い_______力と、チーム全員の一体感が目標達成の最大の原動力でした。" (Meaning: "The strong spiritual power that does not give up even when facing a harsh climbing route and the sense of unity of all team members were the greatest driving forces of goal achievements.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "精神" fits here because it means "spirit; mind; soul; mentality; backbone" in the context of: "The strong spiritual power that does not give up even when facing a harsh climbing route and the sense of unity of all team members were the greatest driving forces of goal achievements.". "式神" represents "a spirit servant summoned by an onmyoji".