Japanese Symbol for
天使tenshi
angel · divine messenger · heavenly being
Readings
Meaning
Angel, divine messenger, heavenly being. 天使 literally means "heaven's messenger" — combining 天 (heaven, sky) with 使 (messenger, envoy). The concept was introduced to Japan through Christianity and Buddhism.
Example words
天国
tengoku
heaven, paradise
天使の羽
tenshi no hane
angel's wings
守護天使
shugo tenshi
guardian angel
天女
tennyo
heavenly maiden, celestial woman
天使の顔
tenshi no kao
angel face (angelic appearance)
使者
shisha
messenger, envoy, ambassador
天女 (tennyo — heavenly maiden) is the Japanese equivalent of an angel in native tradition — celestial beings who descend from heaven in feather robes (羽衣 — hagoromo). The legend of 羽衣 (Hagoromo), where a tennyo's robe is stolen preventing her from returning to heaven, is one of Japan's oldest and most beautiful folk tales.
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