Japanese word

魂

Pronunciation

Romajitamashii

Meaning

  • nounsoul

Example

この絵には魂があります。ko no e ni wa tamashii ga a ri ma su

This painting has soul.

Illustration for 魂 (soul)

More examples

料理には作り手の魂がこもっています。ryō ri ni wa tsuku ri te no tamashii ga ko mo tte i ma su

Every dish reflects the cook's soul.

Core concept

Refers to the inner life or deep feeling that gives a person, work, or activity its distinctive force.

Common phrases

  • 魂を込めるtamashii o ko me ru

    put one's soul into

  • 魂が宿るtamashii ga yado ru

    have a soul

Similar words

心kokoro: A person's inner feelings and thoughts, or the feeling expressed by a work.
精神seishin: A person's mind and inner strength, or the guiding character of a group or activity.

Definition in Japanese

人や作品などに宿る、生命力や精神性のよりどころとなるもの。hito ya saku hin na do ni yado ru sei mei ryoku ya sei shin sei no yo ri do ko ro to na ru mo no

Word origin

魂 (tamashii) is a native Japanese word, while the kanji 魂 (kon, "soul") was borrowed from Chinese to represent it in writing.

Usage tips

  • In English, soul music is the established name of a United States music genre that developed from gospel and rhythm and blues.

Other meanings

  • spiritnoun

Word lists with this word