noun

kami

Kami (noun) means a spirit or deity in the Shinto religion of Japan, believed to inhabit natural objects, places, or ancestors. Example: “Shrines throughout Japan are dedicated to local kami.”

noun

A spirit or deity in the Shinto religion of Japan, believed to inhabit natural objects, places, or ancestors.

"Shrines throughout Japan are dedicated to local kami."

Decorative paper, usually colored or patterned on one side, used for origami.

"She folded a crane from a square of red kami."

How to use kami

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA Shinto spirit or god, or a sheet of origami paper.

Word forms

kamis plural, kami plural, kami plural

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Shrines throughout Japan are dedicated to local _____.

Etymology

From Japanese "kami," meaning "god" or "spirit."

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for kami

Ami Sami cami mami Rami Tami Yami umami swami Miami salami Minami

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Frequently asked questions

What does “kami” mean?

The word “kami” means a spirit or deity in the Shinto religion of Japan, believed to inhabit natural objects, places, or ancestors. In plain terms, a Shinto spirit or god, or a sheet of origami paper.

How do you use “kami” in a sentence?

Here is “kami” used in a sentence: “Shrines throughout Japan are dedicated to local kami.”

What part of speech is “kami”?

“Kami” is a noun.

Where does the word “kami” come from?

The word “kami” comes from Japanese. From Japanese "kami," meaning "god" or "spirit.".

How many meanings does “kami” have?

“Kami” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a spirit or deity in the Shinto religion of Japan, believed to inhabit natural objects, places, or ancestors.

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Vocabulary lists that include kami:

Words with Japanese origins Words that start with K