Translation guide
Kannon is the Japanese name for the bodhisattva of compassion, known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteśvara and in Chinese as Guanyin. This guide explains how to refer to Kannon in Japanese, including common names, titles, and cultural references.
Referring to the Buddhist deity of compassion in general or in religious contexts.
The standard Japanese name for the bodhisattva of compassion. Used in temples, prayers, and general Buddhist contexts.
浅草寺は観音様で有名です。
Senso-ji is famous for its Kannon statue.
A respectful form using the honorific 様 (さま). Commonly used by worshippers and in everyday speech to show reverence.
観音様にお祈りしました。
I prayed to Kannon.
The full formal name meaning 'Bodhisattva Who Perceives the Sounds of the World'. Used in sutras and formal Buddhist contexts.
観世音菩薩は慈悲の象徴です。
Kanzeon Bosatsu is a symbol of compassion.
Refers specifically to the 'Sacred Kannon', the basic form of Kannon without multiple arms or heads. Used in art history and iconography.
この仏像は聖観音です。
This Buddhist statue is Sho Kannon.
Referring to particular iconographic forms of Kannon, such as those with multiple arms or heads.
Thousand-Armed Kannon, a popular form representing the ability to help many beings simultaneously.
三十三間堂には千手観音像が千体あります。
Sanjusangen-do has 1,000 statues of Thousand-Armed Kannon.
Referring to Kannon in the context of pilgrimages, temples, or cultural practices.
A pilgrimage to visit multiple Kannon temples, often following a set route like the Saigoku 33-temple pilgrimage.
来月、西国三十三所の観音巡りに行きます。
Next month, I'm going on the Saigoku 33-temple Kannon pilgrimage.
The worship or faith in Kannon, a widespread practice in Japanese Buddhism.
観音信仰は日本で広く行われています。
Kannon worship is widely practiced in Japan.
When speaking to or about Kannon in a religious context, it is common to add 様 (さま) to show respect, as in 観音様. This is similar to adding '-sama' to names of deities.
While Kannon is the Japanese name, the Chinese name Guanyin (観音) is also understood in Japan, especially in Chinese Buddhist contexts. However, for Japanese temples and culture, use 観音 (かんのん).
浅草の観音様をお参りしました。
I visited the Kannon temple in Asakusa.
Using お参りする is a common way to say 'visit a temple/shrine'.
Eleven-Faced Kannon, a form with eleven heads symbolizing the ability to see all suffering.
十一面観音は奈良の長谷寺に祀られています。
Eleven-Faced Kannon is enshrined at Hase-dera in Nara.
Cintamani-cakra Kannon, a form holding a wish-fulfilling jewel and wheel, often depicted in a relaxed pose.
如意輪観音は半跏思惟の姿で表されます。
Nyoirin Kannon is depicted in a half-lotus contemplative pose.