信仰

• Reading: しんこう
• Romaji: shinkou
• Kanji breakdown: 信 (shin) — to believe, trust; 仰 (kou/gyou) — to look up to, revere
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.koː/

Meaning

Religious faith; belief. Deep trust in a religion or spiritual practice.

A suru-verb (信仰する) used for religious or spiritual devotion. Takes a direct object with を to indicate what is believed in. In Japan, this often refers to Shinto, Buddhist, or folk religious practices. Can also be used more broadly for deep conviction.

Examples

1. 祖母は仏教を深く信仰していた。 My grandmother was a devout believer in Buddhism.
2. この地域では山の神への信仰が今も続いている。 In this region, faith in the mountain god still continues today.
3. 信仰の自由はどの国でも大切にされるべきだ。 Freedom of religion should be valued in every country.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, culture, history

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 信 (shin, to believe/trust) and 仰 (kou, to look up to/revere). Together they express the act of looking up to something with deep belief and reverence.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal