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How to say 'Prayer' in Japanese | 念仏

Wondering how to say 'Prayer' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Prayer is 'Nenbutsu', written as 念仏 in Japanese.'Prayer' in hiragana is ねんぶつ.

    word

    念仏

    Meaning

    Prayer

    Reading

    ねんぶつ

    nenbutsu

    Kanji

    Thought Buddha

    Explanation

    The Japanese noun '念仏 (ねんぶつ)' refers to the act of chanting or reciting Buddhist prayers, specifically the name of Amida Buddha (Amitabha Buddha). This practice is central to certain schools of Pure Land Buddhism, where it is believed that chanting 'Namu Amida Butsu' (南無阿弥陀仏) can lead to rebirth in the Pure Land. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any Buddhist prayer or invocation. For example: He chants prayers every morning「彼は毎朝念仏を唱える」(かれはまいあさねんぶつをとなえる). The old woman devoted her life to prayer「その老女は念仏に人生を捧げた」(そのろうじょはねんぶつにじんせいをささげた).

    Part Of Speech

    noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N2

    Kanji Grade

    5

    Frequency

    6512

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 念仏

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Thought

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Buddha

Words Related to 念仏 Through the Kanji

These 8 Words contain the Kanji 念 as well.

  • word

    概念

    Meaning

    Concept

  • word

    記念日

    Meaning

    Anniversary

  • word

    残念

    Meaning

    Regrettable

  • word

    観念

    Meaning

    Idea, Notion

  • word

    Meaning

    Thought

  • word

    理念

    Meaning

    Philosophy

  • word

    記念

    Meaning

    Commemoration

  • word

    信念

    Meaning

    Belief

Words Related to 念仏 Through the Kanji

These 2 Words contain the Kanji 仏 as well.

  • word

    仏教

    Meaning

    Buddhism

  • word

    Meaning

    Buddha

Learn the Word 念仏

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Nenbutsu' (念仏) mean?

'Nenbutsu' means 'Prayer' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.