Meaning and Usage
"神様" (かみさま) means "god" or "deity" in Japanese. It is used to refer to divine beings in religious contexts or metaphorically to describe someone with extraordinary qualities.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "神様" in prayers, religious discussions, or when expressing admiration for someone who seems almost perfect or powerful.
Collocations and Patterns
- 神様にお願いする: to pray or ask God for something
- 神様のように: like a god (used metaphorically to praise someone)
- 神様の存在: the existence of God
Register and Nuance
"神様" is polite and respectful. It is more formal than just "神" and often used in religious or respectful speech.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "神様" with casual or slang uses of "神" which can sometimes mean "awesome" or "master" in informal speech. "神様" always carries a respectful or religious tone.