Translation guide
A celestial maiden is a divine female being from Buddhist or Hindu mythology, often depicted as a heavenly dancer or musician. In Japanese, the most common term is 天女 (tennyo), but related terms like 天人 (tennin) and 天部 (tenbu) exist with broader or more specific meanings.
Refers to a beautiful, divine female being who lives in the heavens, often associated with music, dance, and celestial beauty.
The standard term for a celestial maiden in Japanese folklore and Buddhism. Often depicted in stories like the Hagoromo legend, where a celestial maiden's feathered robe is stolen.
Specifically refers to the Hindu/Buddhist concept of a celestial dancer or nymph, often depicted in art and sculpture.
Also used for apsaras in Buddhist art. The context usually makes the meaning clear.
天女 (tennyo) specifically means a female celestial being, often a maiden. 天人 (tennin) is gender-neutral and can refer to any heavenly being. 天部 (tenbu) is a broader Buddhist category that includes various celestial beings. For most purposes, 天女 is the best choice when referring to a celestial maiden.
The celestial maiden put on her feathered robe and flew through the sky.
A broader term for heavenly beings, including both male and female. Can refer to celestial maidens but is less specific.
天人は美しい音楽を奏でる。
Heavenly beings play beautiful music.
A Buddhist term for the realm of heavenly beings, including celestial maidens. More technical and less commonly used in everyday language.
天部の神々が描かれている。
The gods of the heavenly realm are depicted.
壁画には天女が舞っている。
Celestial maidens are dancing in the mural.
Direct loanword from Sanskrit 'apsaras'. Used in academic or artistic contexts to refer specifically to Hindu celestial nymphs.
アプサラスはインド神話の天女です。
Apsaras are celestial maidens from Indian mythology.