# kami

/kˈɑːmi/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kami
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the spirits or gods that people respect in the Shinto religion of Japan. They can be found in nature, like in trees, mountains, or the wind.

For teachers: the spirits, deities, or holy powers venerated in Shintoism. Refers to a wide range of entities including natural forces, landscape features, and ancestral spirits.

## Examples

- The local people built a shrine to honor the mountain kami.
- In Shinto belief, kami reside in all things, from ancient cedar trees to the flowing waters of a river.
- The concept of kami is central to Japanese spirituality, representing a sacred essence that connects the human world with the divine forces of the natural environment.

## Usage notes

- Often treated as a plural noun in English to refer to the collective spirits of Shinto, though it can also refer to a single deity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.