Japanese word for soul

Let's learn the word soul in Japanese. It's a powerful word, and Japanese people use it a lot. Please check the idioms using soul as well.

How to say soul in Japanese

In Japanese, the word for "soul" is most commonly 魂(たましい /tamashii/), referring to the spiritual essence or core of a person.

Another related term is 心(こころ /kokoro/), which means "heart" or "mind" and also captures the emotional and spiritual self. Both words reflect deep aspects of a person's inner being in Japanese culture.

How to translate idioms using soul in English to Japanese

Translating idioms involving "soul" into Japanese requires some creativity, as direct translations don't always carry the same meaning. Here are some common idioms and how they can be interpreted in Japanese:

Soulmate

In Japanese, "soulmate" can be expressed as ソウルメイト/souru meito/. However, a more traditional translation might be 運命(うんめい)の人(ひと) /un mei no hito/, meaning "the person of destiny" or "the destined one."

Example sentences:

• We are not just friends; I think we're soulmates. → 私(わたし)たちはただの友達(ともだち)じゃなくて、ソウルメイトだと思(おも)う。/watashitachi wa tada no tomodachi janakute, sōrumeito da to omou/

• "I think she’s my soulmate." → 彼女(かのじょ)は運命(うんめい)の人(ひと)だと思(おも)う。 /kanojo wa unmei no hito da to omou/

This phrase is often used in romantic contexts, but it can also refer to a close friend with whom you share a deep, spiritual connection.

Soul food

First of all, there is a cultural difference between soul food in English and Japanese.

Soul food is the traditional cuisine of African Americans, but in Japan it is used to refer to the local cuisine unique to each region. However, the concept of rich, hearty, lovingly prepared food is universal.

"Soul food" can be transliterated as ソウルフード /souru fu-do/, but it's also possible to explain it more descriptively:

• 心温(こころあたた)まる料理(りょうり) /kokoro atatamaru ryouri/ – "food that warms the heart"
• 家庭(かてい)の味(あじ) /katei no aji/ – "the taste of home-cooked meals"

Example sentence:

• "My grandmother makes the best soul food." → 祖母(そぼ)が作(つく)る料理(りょうり)は、心温(こころあたた)まる味(あじ)だ。 /sobo ga tsukuru ryōri wa, kokoro atatamaru aji da/

In Japan, regional dishes like おふくろの味(あじ) /ofukuro no aji/ "mother’s home cooking" carry a similar sense of warmth, tradition, and comfort. While not identical to the cultural significance of soul food, the underlying idea of food that nourishes both the body and the spirit is universal.

Kindred soul

In Japanese, "kindred soul" can be expressed as 気(き)の合(あ)う人(ひと) /ki no au hito/, meaning "a person who you naturally get along with.

Example sentence:

• 彼(かれ)とは気(き)が合(あ)って、すぐに友達(ともだち)になった。/kare to wa ki ga atte, sugu ni tomodachi ni natta/ I became friends with him right away because we’re kindred souls.