Translation guide
A mantra is a word or phrase repeated to aid concentration in meditation, or a commonly repeated statement expressing a belief or principle.
A sacred word, sound, or phrase repeated in meditation or prayer.
The standard term for a mantra in Buddhist or esoteric contexts. Literally 'true word'.
彼は毎朝真言を唱える。
He chants a mantra every morning.
The loanword from Sanskrit, commonly used in yoga or New Age contexts.
ヨガのクラスでマントラを唱えた。
We chanted a mantra in yoga class.
Specifically refers to the nembutsu, the chanting of Amida Buddha's name in Pure Land Buddhism. Not a general mantra.
祖母は毎日念仏を唱えている。
My grandmother chants the nembutsu every day.
A statement or slogan repeated frequently to express a belief or motivation.
A motto or slogan, often used in organizational or motivational contexts.
会社の標語は「安全第一」です。
The company's mantra is 'safety first'.
The loanword 'motto', very common for personal or organizational guiding principles.
Literally 'to say like a habit', used when someone repeatedly says a phrase as a personal mantra.
彼は「なんとかなる」と口癖のように言っている。
He always says 'it'll work out' like a mantra.
真言 is the traditional Buddhist term, while マントラ is a modern loanword often associated with yoga and New Age spirituality. Use 真言 in formal or religious contexts, and マントラ in casual or international settings.
私の人生のモットーは「継続は力なり」です。
My life's mantra is 'persistence pays off'.