霊
たま · rei
Soul, spirit, departed soul, ghost
Other ways to say “soul” in Japanese →
high first, then falls · what is pitch accent?
How it’s used
Used in formal, literary, or religious contexts for spirits of the dead; more solemn than 幽霊 (ghost) and not for living people's spirits.
Often confused with 幽霊 (yūrei), which specifically means a ghost or apparition; 霊 is a broader, more respectful term for souls and spirits.
Example sentences
霊を慰めるために寺で法要が行われた。
A memorial service was held at the temple to console the spirits.
Nihoner
この森には古い霊が宿っていると言われている。
It is said that ancient spirits dwell in this forest.
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Questions
What does 霊 mean?
Soul, spirit, departed soul, ghost.
How do you pronounce 霊?
たま (rei). Pitch accent: atamadaka — high first, then falls. Press Listen above to hear it.
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