Japanese word

精

Pronunciation

Romajisei

Meaning

  • nounspirit

Example

この作品には作者の精が宿っています。ko no saku hin ni wa saku sha no sei ga yado tte i ma su

The creator's spirit lives in this work.

Illustration for 精 (spirit)

More examples

祭りでは、村人たちが精に祈りをささげました。matsu ri de wa mura bito ta chi ga sei ni ino ri o sa sa ge ma shi ta

At the festival, the villagers offered prayers to the spirit.

Core concept

Presents a spirit as an unseen essence that dwells within something and can take on an independent presence.

Common phrases

  • 精が宿るsei ga yado ru

    a spirit resides

Similar words

霊rei: A nonphysical presence or force connected with a person, place, or object.
魂tamashii: The spiritual part of a person that is thought to exist beyond the body.

Definition in Japanese

生き物や物に宿り、姿を現すとされる霊的な存在。i ki mono ya mono ni yado ri sugata o arawa su to sa re ru rei teki na son zai

Word origin

精 (sei, "spirit") is a Sino-Japanese word based on the Chinese character 精, which has long carried meanings such as refined essence and vital energy.

Usage tips

  • The word 精 (sei) can describe a spirit in folklore, but its standalone use is less common in casual conversation than more specific names for supernatural beings.

Word lists with this word