Translation guide
A deva is a divine being in Indian religions, often translated as 'god' or 'deity'. In Japanese, it is most commonly referred to as 天 (てん) or 天部 (てんぶ) in Buddhist contexts, or more specifically as デーヴァ when discussing Hindu mythology.
Referring to a deva as a class of divine beings in Buddhism, often inhabiting heavenly realms.
The most common term for deva in Japanese Buddhism. It can refer to heavenly beings or the heavenly realm itself.
天は仏法を守護する。
The devas protect the Buddha's teachings.
Specifically refers to the class of devas in Buddhist cosmology, often used in lists of beings.
天部の神々が集まった。
The devas gathered.
Literally 'heavenly person', often used for devas in a more poetic or descriptive sense.
天人が空を飛んでいる。
A deva is flying in the sky.
Referring to a deva in Hinduism, a divine being like Indra or Agni.
Direct loanword from Sanskrit, used in academic or religious contexts when discussing Hinduism.
インドラは強力なデーヴァです。
Indra is a powerful deva.
General word for 'god', can be used for Hindu devas but is less specific.
ヒンドゥー教の神々はデーヴァと呼ばれる。
The gods of Hinduism are called devas.
Referring to a deva in a broad, non-specific religious context.
The most common word for 'god' or 'deity' in Japanese, though it does not exclusively mean deva.
古代の人々は多くの神を信じていた。
Ancient people believed in many devas.
天 (てん) is specifically a Buddhist term for heavenly beings, while 神 (かみ) is a broader term for gods or spirits in general, including Shinto kami. Use 天 when discussing Buddhist cosmology, and 神 for general references to deities.
仏教の天と神道の神は異なる概念だ。
Buddhist devas and Shinto kami are different concepts.
In everyday Japanese, the concept of deva is not common. Unless you are discussing Buddhism or Hinduism, it's often better to use a more general term like 神 (かみ) or explain the concept.