okuninushi
LowAcademic, Religious, Cultural
Definition
Meaning
A proper noun referring to the principal deity (kami) of Japanese mythology, a god of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and relationships.
In Shinto tradition, Ōkuninushi is the divine ruler of the earthly realm (Ashihara no Nakatsukuni) and a central figure in myths recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. His name is often interpreted as 'Great Land Master'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Used almost exclusively in the context of Japanese Shinto religion, mythology, and cultural studies. It is not a common word in general English discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional variation in meaning or usage within English. Spelling may occasionally be rendered with a macron as Ōkuninushi, but the unaccented form is common in English texts.
Connotations
Evokes scholarship, Japanese studies, or religious context. No differential connotation between UK and US English.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialized fields.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Proper noun] is venerated at...[Proper noun] is the mythological...According to myth, [Proper noun]...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common English usage.”
Usage
Context Usage
Academic
Used in papers and lectures on Japanese religion, mythology, and cultural history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and historiography focusing on Japan.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Ōkuninushi is an important god in Japanese stories.
- The myth describes how Ōkuninushi, with the help of a hare, built the nation of Izumo.
- The theological significance of Ōkuninushi ceding his terrestrial authority to Amaterasu's descendants is a key element of the Japanese foundation myth.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Oku-NI-NUSHI: Think of a 'nushi' (master) of the 'oku' (interior/great) 'ni' (land) of Japan.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE RULER IS THE BUILDER; THE GOD IS THE PHYSICIAN; THE EARTH IS A REALM TO BE GOVERNED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with common nouns; it is a fixed proper name. Do not attempt a direct translation like 'хозяин'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Okuninushi' without the long 'o' (Ō).
- Pronouncing the 'shi' as /ʃaɪ/ instead of /ʃi/.
- Using it as a common noun.
Practice
Quiz
Ōkuninushi is primarily associated with which of the following?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is commonly translated as 'Great Land Master' or 'Master of the Great Land', reflecting his role as ruler of the terrestrial world.
Yes, he is a major kami enshrined at Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine), one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines.
He is a descendant of the god Susanoo. His myths involve negotiations with the heavenly kami, led by Amaterasu, to whom he eventually cedes authority over the land.
Myths credit him with healing and resurrection powers, and he is often petitioned for blessings in marriage and relationships, linking his role as a unifier and protector.