Translation guide
The act or process of making someone or something into a god, or treating them as divine. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific terms related to Shinto, Buddhism, and general reverence, as well as verbs describing the action.
Expressing the concept of making a human into a god after death, or treating someone as divine.
The most direct and common term for deification or apotheosis. Used in both religious and metaphorical contexts.
英雄の神格化は多くの文化で見られる。
The deification of heroes is seen in many cultures.
彼は死後、神格化された。
He was deified after his death.
A slightly more formal or literary term for deification. Often used in historical or religious texts.
天皇の神化は明治時代に強調された。
The deification of the emperor was emphasized in the Meiji era.
Literally 'to enshrine as a god'. Describes the act of deifying someone by enshrining them in a Shinto shrine.
菅原道真は学問の神として祀られている。
Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined as a god of learning.
Idolization; can imply deification in a metaphorical sense, treating someone as an idol or god-like figure. Often used for celebrities.
その歌手はファンによって偶像化されている。
That singer is idolized (almost deified) by fans.
Specifically referring to the Shinto practice of deifying humans or natural phenomena as kami.
Same as above, but used in Shinto contexts. The standard term.
神道では、死者を神格化することがある。
In Shinto, the dead are sometimes deified.
Literally 'to become a god'. A more colloquial way to describe deification, often used in myths and stories.
死後、彼は神になったと言われている。
It is said that he became a god after death.
A term for a human who has become a kami (god) after death. Refers to the deified person rather than the process.
人神信仰は日本の民間信仰の一部である。
The worship of deified humans is part of Japanese folk religion.
Referring to the concept of becoming a Buddha or a bodhisattva, which can be seen as a form of deification.
To attain Buddhahood; to become a Buddha. While not exactly 'deification', it is the closest Buddhist concept of reaching a divine state.
彼は悟りを開いて成仏した。
He attained enlightenment and became a Buddha.
To enshrine as a Buddha. Used when a deceased person is venerated as a Buddhist deity.
高僧は死後、仏として祀られた。
The high priest was enshrined as a Buddha after his death.
Using 'deification' in a non-religious sense, such as excessively praising or glorifying someone.
To treat someone like a god. A natural way to express metaphorical deification.
彼は会社で神のように扱われている。
He is treated like a god at the company.
To worship, adore, or idolize. Can imply deification when the object is a person.
一部のファンはその俳優を崇拝している。
Some fans worship that actor (almost deify him).
Also used metaphorically, as in English 'deification'.
Avoid directly translating 'deification' as 神化 or 神格化 in casual conversation unless the context is clearly religious or academic. For everyday exaggeration, use phrases like 神のように扱う or 崇拝する.
神格化 is the more common and versatile term. 神化 is slightly more formal and often appears in historical or literary contexts. Both are nouns and can be used with する to form a verb.
メディアによる彼の神格化は行き過ぎだ。
The media's deification of him is excessive.