解脱

• Reading: げだつ
• Romaji: gedatsu
• Kanji breakdown: 解 (ge/kai) — release, untie; 脱 (datsu) — escape, shed
• Pronunciation: /ɡe.da.tsɯ/

Meaning

Liberation; emancipation; moksha; nirvana. The state of being freed from earthly suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

A Buddhist and Hindu theological concept translated as moksha (Sanskrit) or nirvana. In Japanese Buddhism it represents the ultimate spiritual goal — release from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (輪廻転生). In contemporary secular use it is sometimes employed hyperbolically to describe a profound sense of relief or freedom from worldly burdens.

Examples

1. 仏教において解脱とは、輪廻の苦しみから永遠に解放されることを意味する。 In Buddhism, liberation means being freed forever from the suffering of the cycle of rebirth.
2. 長年の苦労から解放されたとき、彼は解脱に近い境地を感じたと語った。 When he was finally released from years of hardship, he said he felt a state close to liberation.
3. 宗教学の講義で解脱の概念がインドと東アジアでどう異なるかが丁寧に解説された。 A religious studies lecture carefully explained how the concept of liberation differs between India and East Asia.

Usage Guide

Context: Buddhism, religion, philosophy, spirituality

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sanskrit moksha, translated into Chinese as 解脱 (jiétuō) and adopted into Japanese Buddhism. 解 means to untie or release, and 脱 means to escape or shed. Together they convey liberation from bondage.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated