amaterasu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialized)Formal, Literary, Academic; used primarily in contexts relating to Japanese mythology, religion, history, and culture.
Quick answer
What does “amaterasu” mean?
The sun goddess, the central deity of the Shinto religion, and the mythical ancestress of the Japanese imperial line.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sun goddess, the central deity of the Shinto religion, and the mythical ancestress of the Japanese imperial line.
Used metaphorically to refer to the sun itself, to a source of light, warmth, or life-giving power, or to something of foundational, divine importance in Japanese culture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term in the same specialized contexts.
Connotations
Evokes the same imagery of the sun, divinity, and Japanese cultural heritage in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general English. Slightly higher frequency in academic texts on Japanese studies, where it is a standard term.
Grammar
How to Use “amaterasu” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] is venerated as...The myth describes how [Proper Noun]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amaterasu” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The central narrative in the Kojiki involves Amaterasu retreating into a cave.
- Pilgrims travel to Ise to honour Amaterasu.
American English
- Amaterasu is a key figure in Shinto belief.
- The emperor's lineage is traditionally traced back to Amaterasu.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in papers and texts on Japanese religion, mythology, history, and literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in discussions of mythology or travel to historical sites like Ise Shrine.
Technical
Used as a proper noun in fields like comparative religion, anthropology, and East Asian studies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amaterasu”
- Pronouncing it as 'amateur-rasu'.
- Using it as a common noun without the definite article 'the' when referring to the sun metaphorically (e.g., 'the Amaterasu of our age').
- Misspelling as 'Amateratsu'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Almost never. It is treated as a proper noun. Figurative uses still treat it as a name ('a modern Amaterasu').
It is the name of a specific Shinto deity, not a generic term for 'sun'. Its use outside of Japanese cultural contexts is highly specialized or metaphorical.
Traditional Japanese mythology holds that the Imperial line are direct descendants of Amaterasu, which historically legitimised their rule.
Only if you are deliberately invoking Japanese mythological imagery. For the generic sun, use 'sun', 'sol', or 'helios' (Greek). Using 'Amaterasu' specifically references the goddess.
The sun goddess, the central deity of the Shinto religion, and the mythical ancestress of the Japanese imperial line.
Amaterasu is usually formal, literary, academic; used primarily in contexts relating to japanese mythology, religion, history, and culture. in register.
Amaterasu: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæmətəˈræsuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɑːmətəˈrɑːsuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To emerge from the Rock Cave of Heaven (like Amaterasu) - to bring light back after a period of darkness or seclusion.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Ama-' (heavenly) 'tera-' (shine) 'su' (person). The 'Heavenly Shining Person' is the sun goddess.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE SUN IS A DIVINE RULER / A SOURCE IS THE SUN (e.g., 'She was the Amaterasu of the movement, its guiding light and inspiration').
Practice
Quiz
In a figurative sense, calling someone 'the Amaterasu of the team' implies they are: