Translation guide
Inari is a Japanese Shinto deity associated with rice, prosperity, foxes, and agriculture. The term can refer to the god itself, shrines dedicated to Inari, or the fox messengers. This guide helps learners understand and use the term naturally in Japanese contexts.
Referring to the Shinto god of rice, prosperity, and foxes.
The standard name for the deity. Often used in shrine names and religious contexts.
稲荷神社は全国にたくさんあります。
There are many Inari shrines all over Japan.
A respectful, honorific way to refer to the deity, adding お and 様.
お稲荷様は商売繁盛の神様としても知られています。
Inari-sama is also known as a deity of business prosperity.
Referring to a shrine dedicated to Inari.
The full term for an Inari shrine. Use this in formal or explanatory contexts.
伏見稲荷大社は有名な稲荷神社です。
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous Inari shrine.
A friendly, colloquial term for an Inari shrine, often used in everyday conversation.
Referring to the foxes (kitsune) that serve as Inari's messengers.
The general word for fox. In the context of Inari, it implies the divine messengers. Often seen in pairs at shrine entrances.
稲荷神社の狐の像は、口に巻物をくわえていることが多い。
The fox statues at Inari shrines often hold a scroll in their mouths.
Literally 'messenger of Inari-sama'. A more explicit way to refer to the fox as a divine servant.
狐はお稲荷様の使いとされています。
Foxes are considered messengers of Inari.
Referring to the sushi type made with fried tofu pouches, named after the deity because foxes are said to like fried tofu.
The standard term for inari sushi. Often shortened to just いなり in casual contexts.
いなり寿司は甘辛い油揚げを使います。
Inari sushi uses sweet and savory fried tofu pouches.
A colloquial, affectionate term for inari sushi, often used in Kansai dialect or by children.
In casual speech, お稲荷さん can mean either an Inari shrine or inari sushi. Context usually makes it clear. If you're talking about food, it's sushi; if you're talking about visiting a place, it's a shrine.
今日のお昼はお稲荷さんにしよう。
Let's have inari sushi for lunch today.
散歩がてら、お稲荷さんにお参りした。
While taking a walk, I visited the Inari shrine.
近所のお稲荷さんにお参りに行った。
I went to pray at the local Inari shrine.
I love the inari sushi my grandma makes.