Translation guide
In Japanese culture, the concept of a 'god of wealth' is most commonly associated with the Seven Lucky Gods (七福神), especially Daikokuten and Ebisu, who bring prosperity and good fortune. This guide covers how to refer to these deities and related expressions.
Referring to a god or deity that brings wealth and prosperity in a general sense.
Literally 'god of fortune', this is the most common and natural way to refer to a deity that brings wealth and happiness. It can be used in everyday conversation and is not limited to a specific religious context.
彼はまるで福の神だ。
He's like a god of wealth.
福の神が舞い降りた。
A god of fortune has descended upon us.
A more literal translation of 'god of wealth', but less common than 福の神. It can sound slightly formal or literary.
古代ローマの富の神はプルートーです。
The god of wealth in ancient Rome is Pluto.
A term used primarily in the context of Chinese folk religion (e.g., Caishen). It is understood but not commonly used in native Japanese contexts.
中国の財神は商売繁盛の神様です。
The Chinese god of wealth is a deity of business prosperity.
Referring to the well-known Japanese deities Daikokuten or Ebisu, who are part of the Seven Lucky Gods and specifically associated with wealth and prosperity.
Daikokuten is the god of wealth, commerce, and the household. He is often depicted with a mallet, a sack of treasure, and standing on bales of rice. Very commonly seen in shops and homes.
大黒天は七福神の一人です。
Daikokuten is one of the Seven Lucky Gods.
店に大黒天の像を置くと商売繁盛するらしい。
They say placing a statue of Daikokuten in your shop brings business prosperity.
Ebisu is the god of fishermen, luck, and wealth, often associated with bountiful catches and business success. He is usually shown holding a fishing rod and a sea bream.
A more familiar and respectful way to refer to Daikokuten, often used in everyday speech or when praying.
大黒様にお願いしよう。
Let's pray to Daikoku-sama.
A respectful form for Ebisu, commonly used in prayers or when referring to the deity politely.
恵比寿様の祭りは毎年十月です。
The Ebisu festival is every October.
Describing a person who is like a 'god of wealth' because they bring financial success or good fortune to others.
A natural way to say someone is like a god of wealth. It emphasizes the person's role in bringing fortune.
彼は会社にとって福の神のような人だ。
He is like a god of wealth for the company.
While literally 'beckoning cat', this figurine is believed to bring customers and wealth. It can be used metaphorically for a person who attracts business.
あの営業マンはうちの招き猫だ。
That salesman is our lucky charm (beckoning cat).
福の神 is a generic term for any god of fortune and can be used broadly. 大黒天 and 恵比寿 are specific deities from the Seven Lucky Gods. Use 大黒天 or 恵比寿 when referring to the specific iconography or worship, and 福の神 for a general concept or metaphor.
The Seven Lucky Gods (七福神) are a popular subject in Japanese art and folklore. Daikokuten and Ebisu are often paired together as gods of wealth and business. You will see their statues in many shops and restaurants.
Ebisu is also known as a god of business.