deity · spirit

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 神 has 9 strokes and refers to a god or deity.
• Basic usage: 神 is read かみ, and 神社 is read じんじゃ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Readings for a deity and a shrine
  • 山に住む神 means a deity who lives in the mountain.
  • The 神 in 神社 is read じん.
  • 小さな神社 means a small shrine. 神社 refers to a Shinto place of worship.