Translation guide
The English word "salvation" covers both religious/spiritual rescue and general deliverance from harm. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 救い (sukui), but the appropriate expression depends heavily on context—religious, metaphorical, or everyday.
Deliverance from sin, spiritual rescue, or attainment of enlightenment in a religious context.
The most general term for salvation, used in both religious and secular contexts. In Christianity, it refers to salvation from sin; in Buddhism, it can refer to spiritual deliverance.
キリスト教では、信仰による救いが説かれている。
In Christianity, salvation through faith is preached.
彼は仏教に救いを求めた。
He sought salvation in Buddhism.
Often used in religious contexts to mean salvation or redemption, especially in the sense of being saved by a divine being. More formal than 救い.
阿弥陀仏の救済を信じる。
Believe in the salvation of Amida Buddha.
Specifically refers to spiritual liberation or emancipation from earthly desires and suffering in Buddhism. Not used for Christian salvation.
修行によって解脱を得る。
Attain spiritual liberation through ascetic practices.
Being saved from a difficult, dangerous, or hopeless situation.
Works for both literal and figurative rescue. Can be used in everyday language.
その知らせは彼にとって唯一の救いだった。
That news was his only salvation.
この薬が多くの患者の救いとなった。
This medicine became the salvation of many patients.
Refers to physical rescue, such as saving someone from a disaster or accident. Not used for spiritual salvation.
Similar to 救助, but often implies extracting someone from a confined or dangerous place. More formal.
A person, thing, or event that provides relief or a way out of a difficult situation.
Literally 'savior' or 'messiah'. Often used metaphorically for someone who saves a situation.
彼はチームの救世主と呼ばれている。
He is called the savior of the team.
Literally 'a helping hand of salvation'. Used when someone offers help in a desperate situation.
彼は私に救いの手を差し伸べてくれた。
He offered me a helping hand of salvation.
Literally 'life benefactor'. Used for someone who saved your life, either literally or figuratively.
あの医者は私の命の恩人です。
That doctor is my savior (literally, life benefactor).
救い (sukui) is the broadest term, covering spiritual, emotional, and physical salvation. 救済 (kyūsai) is more formal and often religious, implying salvation by a higher power. 救助 (kyūjo) is strictly physical rescue from danger.
In English, 'save' is used casually (save time, save money, save a seat). Japanese 救い is too heavy for these. Use 節約する (setsuyaku suru) for saving resources, 取っておく (totte oku) for saving a seat, etc.
The mountain rescue team saved the stranded climbers.
消防士が燃えている建物から子供を救出した。
Firefighters rescued a child from the burning building.