Japanese word

迷信

Pronunciation

Romajimeishin

Meaning

  • nounsuperstition

Example

迷信を信じる人もいます。mei shin o shin ji ru hito mo i ma su

Some people believe in superstition.

Illustration for 迷信 (superstition)

More examples

地域によって、さまざまな迷信が伝えられています。chi iki ni yo tte sa ma za ma na mei shin ga tsuta e ra re te i ma su

Various superstitions have been passed down in different regions.

Core concept

Refers to a belief that treats an unsupported connection between events as real and meaningful.

Common phrases

  • 迷信を信じるmei shin o shin ji ru

    believe in superstition

  • 迷信にとらわれるmei shin ni to ra wa re ru

    be bound by superstition

Similar words

俗信zokushin: A traditional belief shared within a community, often without scientific support.
妄信mōshin: Blind belief in a person, idea, or claim without careful examination.
俗説zokusetsu: A widely accepted claim that lacks reliable proof or evidence.

Definition in Japanese

科学的な裏付けがないまま信じられている考え。ka gaku teki na ura zu ke ga na i ma ma shin ji ra re te i ru kanga e

Word origin

This Sino-Japanese noun is formed from 迷 (mei, "be confused") and 信 (shin, "trust"). The combination 迷信 (meishin) describes trust placed in a misguided belief.

Usage tips

  • English commonly uses superstition for beliefs such as considering a certain number lucky or unlucky, which provides a familiar context for 迷信 (meishin).

Related words

  • 迷信深いmeishinbukaideeply superstitiousi-adjective
  • 迷信的meishintekisuperstitiousna-adjective
  • 迷信家meishinkasuperstitious personnoun

Word lists with this word