Soul in Japanese
"soul" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
魂
tamashii
4 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "soul". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
魂 is the soul that leaves the body at death. 霊 is a spirit, including the spirits of places and things. 心 is the heart as the seat of feeling. 精 is spirit as essence or vigour, the 精 of 精神.
Top pick
soul, spirit
Reading: kon
14 strokes · mysterious, powerful
Where it comes from
Composed of cloud and ghost. Spirit drifting like clouds.
What it carries
Soul, spirit, essence. Represents core of existence beyond physical body.
Related kanji for "soul"
soul
rei · mysterious, spiritual
Combines 'rain' (雨) with 'shaman' (巫), representing priestesses with divine power to bring rain. Means soul and spirit.
soul
shin · peaceful, mysterious
Pictograph of the heart. Center of emotions and thoughts.
soul
sei · beautiful, mysterious
Composed of rice and blue. Blue rice, polished rice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for soul?
The most common kanji for "soul" is 魂, read as kon. It means soul, spirit. Related kanji: 霊 (soul), 心 (soul), 精 (soul).
How many strokes does 魂 have?
魂 has 14 strokes.