Japanese word

信仰

Pronunciation

Romajishinkō

Meaning

  • nounfaith

Example

私は神を信仰しています。watashi wa kami o shin kō shi te i ma su

I have faith in God.

Illustration for 信仰 (faith)

More examples

私は異なる信仰を持つ人とも仲良くします。watashi wa koto na ru shin kō o mo tsu hito to mo naka yo ku shi ma su

I get along well with people of different faiths.

Core concept

Describes a deep trust in a sacred power or teaching that shapes a person's spiritual outlook.

Common phrases

  • 信仰を持つshin kō o mo tsu

    have faith

  • 信仰を深めるshin kō o fuka me ru

    deepen one's faith

Similar words

信心shinjin: A strong sense of trust and devotion toward a sacred power.
信仰心shinkōshin: An inner commitment to religious belief and devotion.

Definition in Japanese

神や宗教の教えなどを真実として深く信じること。kami ya shū kyō no oshi e na do o shin jitsu to shi te fuka ku shin ji ru ko to

Word origin

The noun 信仰 (shinkō) combines 信 (shin, "trust") with 仰 (kō, "look up to"), linking belief with reverence toward what is held sacred.

Usage tips

  • The English word faith can describe religious belief or strong trust in a person or idea, so context determines whether it matches the narrower religious sense of 信仰 (shinkō).

Other meanings

  • beliefnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 信仰心shinkōshindevotionnoun
  • 信仰者shinkōshabelievernoun

Word lists with this word