Translation guide
A demigod is a being with partial or lesser divine status, often the offspring of a god and a mortal. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific mythological terms, descriptive phrases, or borrowed words, depending on context.
Referring to a classical demigod like Hercules, a hero born from a god and a human.
The standard term for a demigod in mythological contexts. Literally 'half-god'. Used in academic or fantasy settings.
ヘラクレスは半神として知られている。
Hercules is known as a demigod.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'child of a god and a human'. More explanatory than 半神.
彼は神と人の子だ。
He is a child of a god and a human.
Literally 'half-god, half-human'. A more explicit compound, often used in literary or descriptive contexts.
その英雄は半神半人の存在だった。
That hero was a half-god, half-human being.
Referring to a human who has been elevated to divine status, or a minor god.
Means 'deified human'. Used when a mortal is worshipped as a god, similar to some demigod concepts.
その皇帝は死後、神格化された人間として崇められた。
The emperor was worshipped as a deified human after death.
Means 'minor deity' or 'lesser god'. Can be used for demigods in a polytheistic hierarchy.
ギリシャ神話には多くの小神が登場する。
Many minor deities appear in Greek mythology.
Describing a person who seems superhuman, like a sports star or genius.
Means 'god-like being'. Commonly used to praise someone's exceptional talent.
彼はサッカー界では神のような存在だ。
He is a god-like figure in the soccer world.
An adjective meaning 'superhuman' or 'inhuman'. Used to describe abilities beyond normal human limits.
彼女の人間離れした記憶力には驚かされる。
I'm amazed by her superhuman memory.
Using the English loanword in Japanese contexts, often in games or fantasy.
Direct loanword from English. Used primarily in video games, fantasy novels, or Western mythology discussions.
このゲームではデミゴッドとしてプレイする。
In this game, you play as a demigod.
半神 is the established term for demigod in mythology, while 神と人の子 is a more literal, descriptive phrase. Use 半神 for formal or academic contexts, and 神と人の子 when explaining the concept to someone unfamiliar with the term.
When calling someone a 'demigod' figuratively, do not use 半神. Instead, use phrases like 神のような存在 or 人間離れした to sound natural.