shinto: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Technical (Religious/Cultural Studies)
Quick answer
What does “shinto” mean?
The indigenous, polytheistic religion of Japan, focused on ritual practices, the veneration of kami (spirits or gods), and a connection to nature and ancestors.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The indigenous, polytheistic religion of Japan, focused on ritual practices, the veneration of kami (spirits or gods), and a connection to nature and ancestors.
Can refer broadly to the cultural system, aesthetics, philosophy, or traditional practices associated with this religion. Sometimes used attributively to describe things related to this tradition (e.g., Shinto shrine).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties treat it as a proper noun.
Connotations
Neutral, descriptive term for the religion/cultural system in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, appearing primarily in contexts discussing religion, Japanese culture, history, or philosophy.
Grammar
How to Use “shinto” in a Sentence
[proper noun] (stands alone)Shinto + noun (e.g., shrine, priest)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shinto” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Shinto is not used as a verb.
American English
- Shinto is not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Shinto is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Shinto is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The Shinto purification ritual involved water and salt.
- They studied the Shinto origins of the festival.
American English
- The Shinto shrine gate, or torii, was painted bright vermilion.
- She has a deep interest in Shinto mythology.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts of cultural tourism, event planning for Japanese festivals, or heritage site management.
Academic
Common in fields like Religious Studies, Anthropology, East Asian Studies, History, and Comparative Religion.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be mentioned in travel discussions about Japan, documentaries, or books on world religions.
Technical
Used precisely in Religious Studies and Japanese Cultural Studies to denote specific practices, historical periods (e.g., State Shinto), or theological concepts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shinto”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shinto”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shinto”
- Incorrect: 'shinto' (uncapitalized). Correct: 'Shinto'.
- Incorrect: 'a Shinto' (as a countable noun, e.g., 'He follows a Shinto'). Correct: 'He follows Shinto' or 'He is a Shinto practitioner'.
- Incorrect: Using it as an adjective for anything vaguely Japanese. It refers specifically to the religious tradition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, traditionally Shinto is polytheistic, venerating a multitude of kami (gods/spirits) associated with natural elements, landscapes, ancestors, and abstract concepts.
While Shinto is deeply tied to Japanese culture and ethnicity, its practices, such as shrine visits and respect for kami, are generally accessible to non-Japanese. However, becoming a formal practitioner or priest is complex and culturally embedded.
They have coexisted and syncretised for centuries. Many Japanese people observe Shinto rituals for life events (e.g., births, weddings) and Buddhist rituals for death. Historically, kami were sometimes viewed as manifestations of Buddhist deities.
State Shinto was a government-organized system, established after the Meiji Restoration (1868) and dissolved after World War II, which used Shinto symbolism and rites to promote emperor worship and Japanese nationalism, distinct from traditional shrine Shinto.
The indigenous, polytheistic religion of Japan, focused on ritual practices, the veneration of kami (spirits or gods), and a connection to nature and ancestors.
Shinto is usually formal, academic, technical (religious/cultural studies) in register.
Shinto: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪn.təʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪn.toʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “There are no common English idioms containing 'Shinto'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SHIN (like the front of your leg) + TO (as in 'going to'). Imagine walking on your shins TO a beautiful, tranquil Japanese shrine. The discomfort reminds you it's an ancient, traditional path.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGION IS A PATH/WAY (reflected in the '道' - dō/michi - meaning 'way' or 'path' in Japanese).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a core concept in Shinto?