Spiritual in Japanese
"spiritual" is written as one word in Japanese. No single kanji carries the meaning on its own.
The characters below are the ones most often used to write "spiritual" and related ideas.
Which one to use
精神的 (seishinteki) is spiritual in the sense of mental or inner, as opposed to material. 霊 is the spirit as a soul or ghost. 魂 is the soul that survives death. 禅 is Zen. English uses spiritual for the inner life and for the supernatural alike.
Top pick
spirits, soul
Reading: rei
15 strokes · mysterious, spiritual
Where it comes from
Combines 'rain' (雨) with 'shaman' (巫), representing priestesses with divine power to bring rain. Means soul and spirit.
What it carries
Symbolizes soul, spirit, and mystery. Represents existence beyond the physical body and invisible sacred power.
Related kanji for "spiritual"
spiritual
kon · mysterious, powerful
Composed of cloud and ghost. Spirit drifting like clouds.
spiritual
zen · peaceful, wisdom
Composed of altar and single. Meditating with single mind.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for spiritual?
The most common kanji for "spiritual" is 霊, read as rei. It means spirits, soul. Related kanji: 魂 (spiritual), 禅 (spiritual).
How many strokes does 霊 have?
霊 has 15 strokes.