How to Say “Spirit” in 75 Different Languages🌍

Everyone’s heard the word “spirit”—whether in movies, books, songs, or even during deep conversations about life and meaning. But did you know this powerful word takes on a different name in nearly every language and culture?

Whether you’re speaking to someone in France 🇫🇷, Thailand 🇹🇭, or Brazil 🇧🇷, the word spirit transforms to match local traditions, spiritual beliefs, and linguistic nuances.

We’ll explore how to say “spirit” in different languages—each with its own sound, soul, and story.

In this guide, we’ll break down:

🌎 75 different translations of the name “Spirit”

📣 How to pronounce each version correctly

🤝 The difference between formal and informal usage (where applicable)

🎯 How to choose the right tone depending on the context

🧠 Examples that make each version memorable

🌟 Understanding the Concept of “Spirit”

In English, “spirit” encompasses various meanings, including:

Soul or essence: The non-physical part of a person regarded as their true self.
Vitality or enthusiasm: A person’s mood or emotional state.
Supernatural being: An incorporeal entity, such as a ghost.
Alcoholic beverage: A strong distilled liquor.

These interpretations vary across languages and cultures, reflecting diverse beliefs and values.

🌍 How to Say Spirit in Different Languages

Let’s jump into the multilingual sea! 🐠🌊

Each entry includes:

🌍 Country Flag 🇺🇳

🗣️ Language Name

🔤 Translation of “Spirit”

🗣️ Pronunciation (in layman terms)

💡 Usage Tips or Cultural Notes

1. Arabic 🇸🇦

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Rūḥ
Meaning: Soul, essence, or ghost
Example: “الروح لا تموت.” (“The spirit does not die.”)
Tone Tip: Used in both religious and everyday contexts; conveys deep respect.

2. Spanish 🇪🇸

Word: Espíritu
Pronunciation: es-PEE-ree-too
Meaning: Spirit, soul, or enthusiasm
Example: “Tiene un espíritu fuerte.” (“He has a strong spirit.”)
Tone Tip: Common in both spiritual and motivational contexts.

3. French 🇫🇷

Word: Esprit
Pronunciation: es-PREE
Meaning: Mind, spirit, or wit
Example: “Son esprit est vif.” (“His spirit is lively.”)
Tone Tip: Often used to describe intellect or liveliness.

4. German 🇩🇪

Word: Geist
Pronunciation: gyst
Meaning: Spirit, ghost, or mind.
Example: “Der Geist des Teams ist stark.” (“The team’s spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tip: Can refer to both supernatural entities and collective morale.

5. Italian 🇮🇹

Word: Spirito
Pronunciation: SPEE-ree-toh
Meaning: Spirit, soul, or humor
Example: “Ha uno spirito allegro.” (“He has a cheerful spirit.”)
Tone Tip: Used in both religious and colloquial expressions.

6. Portuguese 🇵🇹

Word: Espírito
Pronunciation: es-PEE-ree-too
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “O espírito da festa é contagiante.” (“The spirit of the party is contagious.”)
Tone Tip: Commonly used to describe atmosphere or mood.

7. Russian 🇷🇺

Word: Дух
Pronunciation: Dukh
Meaning: Spirit, breath, or ghost
Example: “Дух времени важен.” (“The spirit of the time is important.”)
Tone Tip: Can denote both literal and metaphorical meanings.

8. Japanese 🇯🇵

Word: 精神
Pronunciation: Seishin
Meaning: Mind, spirit, or mentality.
Example: “彼の精神は強い。” (“His spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tip: Often used in contexts of mental strength or discipline.

9. Chinese (Simplified) 🇨🇳

Word: 精神
Pronunciation: Jīngshén
Meaning: Spirit, vitality, or mind.
Example: “他的精神很好。” (“He is in good spirits.”)
Tone Tip: Used to describe both mental state and enthusiasm.

10. Hindi 🇮🇳

Word: आत्मा
**Pron

11. Korean 🇰🇷

Word: 영혼
Pronunciation: Yeonghon
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “그의 영혼은 평화롭다.” (“His spirit is at peace.”)
Tone Tip: Often used in religious or philosophical contexts.

12. Greek 🇬🇷

Word: πνεύμα
Pronunciation: Pnévma
Meaning: Spirit or breath
Example: “Το πνεύμα του είναι δυνατό.” (“His spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tip: Used in both religious and everyday contexts.

13. Turkish 🇹🇷

Word: Ruh
Pronunciation: Ruh
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “Onun ruhu huzurlu.” (“His spirit is peaceful.”)
Tone Tip: Commonly used in spiritual and emotional contexts.

14. Hebrew 🇮🇱

Word: רוּחַ
Pronunciation: Ruach
Meaning: Spirit or wind
Example: “רוחו חזקה.” (“His spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tip: Used in religious texts and modern Hebrew.

15. Swahili 🇰🇪

Word: Roho
Pronunciation: Ro-ho
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Roho yake ni safi.” (“His spirit is pure.”)
Tone Tip: Used in both religious and everyday language.

16. Dutch 🇳🇱

Word: Geest
Pronunciation: Geest
Meaning: Spirit or mind
Example: “Zijn geest is sterk.” (“His spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tip: Used in both religious and psychological contexts.

17. Polish 🇵🇱

Word: Duch
Pronunciation: Dookh
Meaning: Spirit or ghost
Example: “Jego duch jest obecny.” (“His spirit is present.”)
Tone Tip: Used in both religious and supernatural contexts.

18. Vietnamese 🇻🇳

Word: Tinh thần
Pronunciation: Ting than
Meaning: Spirit or morale
Example: “Tinh thần của anh ấy rất cao.” (“His spirit is very high.”)
Tone Tip: Often used to describe morale or mental state.

19. Thai 🇹🇭

Word: วิญญาณ
Pronunciation: Win-yaan
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “วิญญาณของเขาสงบสุข.” (“His spirit is at peace.”)
Tone Tip: Used in religious and cultural contexts.

20. Finnish 🇫🇮

Word: Henki
Pronunciation: Hen-kee
Meaning: Spirit or breath
Example: “Hänen henkensä on vahva.” (“His spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tip: Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

21. Norwegian 🇳🇴

Word: Ånd
Pronunciation: Ahn-d
Meaning: Spirit or ghost
Example: “Hans ånd lever videre.” (“His spirit lives on.”)
Tone Tips: Used in both religious and metaphorical contexts.

22. Danish 🇩🇰

Word: Ånd
Pronunciation: On
Meaning: Spirit or breath
Example: “Hendes ånd er stærk.” (“Her spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tips: Common in both literary and religious texts.

23. Hungarian 🇭🇺

Word: Lélek
Pronunciation: Lay-lek
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “A lelke nyugodt.” (“His spirit is calm.”)
Tone Tips: Often used in emotional or spiritual discussions.

24. Indonesian 🇮🇩

Word: Roh
Pronunciation: Roh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Rohnya tenang.” (“His spirit is calm.”)
Tone Tips: Used in both religious and everyday language.

25. Malay 🇲🇾

Word: Semangat
Pronunciation: Seh-mah-ngat
Meaning: Spirit or enthusiasm
Example: “Semangatnya luar biasa.” (“His spirit is extraordinary.”)
Tone Tips: More commonly used to describe enthusiasm and morale.

26. Romanian 🇷🇴

Word: Spirit
Pronunciation: SPEE-reet
Meaning: Spirit or ghost
Example: “Spiritul lui este prezent.” (“His spirit is present.”)
Tone Tips: Used in both supernatural and emotional contexts.

27. Ukrainian 🇺🇦

Word: Дух (Dukh)
Pronunciation: Dukh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Його дух сильний.” (“His spirit is strong.”)
Tone Tips: Common in spiritual and traditional usage.

28. Bengali 🇧🇩

Word: আত্মা
Pronunciation: Aatma
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “তার আত্মা শান্তিতে রয়েছে।” (“His spirit is at peace.”)
Tone Tips: Used in religious and spiritual contexts.

29. Urdu 🇵🇰

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “اس کی روح پر سکون ہے۔” (“His spirit is at peace.”)
Tone Tips: Deeply tied to spiritual and poetic expressions.

30. Persian (Farsi) 🇮🇷

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “روح او آرام دارد.” (“His spirit is at peace.”)
Tone Tips: Widely used in both religious texts and poetry.

31. Thai 🇹🇭

Word: วิญญาณ
Pronunciation: Win-yaan
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “วิญญาณของเขายังอยู่ที่นี่” (“His spirit is still here.”)
Tone Tips: Commonly used in religious and supernatural contexts.

32. Vietnamese 🇻🇳

Word: Tinh thần
Pronunciation: Ting tʰən
Meaning: Spirit or morale
Example: “Tinh thần của anh ấy rất mạnh mẽ.” (“His spirit is very strong.”)
Tone Tips: Often used to describe morale or mental state.

33. Swahili 🇰🇪

Word: Roho
Pronunciation: Ro-ho
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “Roho yake iko na amani.” (“His spirit is at peace.”)
Tone Tips: Used in both religious and everyday contexts.

34. Zulu 🇿🇦

Word: Umoya
Pronunciation: Oo-moh-yah
Meaning: Spirit or air
Example: “Umoya wakhe usatholakala lapha.” (“His spirit is still felt here.”)
Tone Tips: Can refer to both spirit and breath; context is key.

35. Xhosa 🇿🇦

Word: Umoya
Pronunciation: Oo-moh-yah
Meaning: Spirit or air
Example: “Umoya wakhe usahleli apha.” (“His spirit still resides here.”)
Tone Tips: Similar to Zulu usage; context determines meaning.

36. Yoruba 🇳🇬

Word: Ẹmi
Pronunciation: Eh-mee
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “Ẹmi rẹ wa pẹlu wa.” (“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone Tips: Used in both religious and cultural contexts.

37. Igbo 🇳🇬

Word: Mmụọ
Pronunciation: M-mwoh
Meaning: Spirit or ghost
Example: “Mmụọ ya dị ndụ.” (“His spirit is alive.”)
Tone Tips: Can refer to spirits in traditional beliefs.

38. Hausa 🇳🇬

Word: Ruhi
Pronunciation: Roo-hee
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Ruhinsa yana tare da mu.” (“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone Tips: Commonly used in religious contexts.

39. Amharic 🇪🇹

Word: መንፈስ (Menfes)
Pronunciation: Men-fes
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “መንፈሱ አለኝ።” (“His spirit is with me.”)
Tone Tips: Used in both religious and everyday language.

40. Somali 🇸🇴

Word: Ruux
Pronunciation: Roo-uhkh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Ruuxiisa wuu nala joogaa.” (“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone Tips: Commonly used in both religious and cultural contexts.

41. Hebrew 🇮🇱

Word: רוּחַ
Pronunciation: Ru-ach
Meaning: Spirit, wind, or breath
Example: “הַרוּחַ שֶׁלוֹ נִשְׁאַרָה אִתָּנוּ.”
(“His spirit remained with us.”)
Tone: Used in both spiritual and metaphorical senses.

42. Persian (Farsi) 🇮🇷

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Ruh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “روح او همیشه با ماست.”
(“His spirit is always with us.”)
Tone: Common in literature, Sufi poetry, and spiritual discourse.

43. Pashto 🇦🇫

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Roh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “د هغه روح زموږ سره دی.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Appears in religious, cultural, and spiritual usage.

44. Urdu 🇵🇰

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “اس کی روح ہمارے ساتھ ہے۔”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Frequently used in poetry, spiritual songs, and religious teachings.

45. Turkish 🇹🇷

Word: Ruh
Pronunciation: Roo-h
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Onun ruhu hala bizimle.”
(“His spirit is still with us.”)
Tone: Common in daily language, especially around spiritual or emotional expressions.

46. Azerbaijani 🇦🇿

Word: Ruh
Pronunciation: Ruh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Onun ruhu bizimlədir.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Often heard in traditional songs and cultural expressions.

47. Kazakh 🇰🇿

Word: Рух
Pronunciation: Rookh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Оның рухы бізбен бірге.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Strongly tied to national pride and philosophical poetry.

48. Uzbek 🇺🇿

Word: Ruh
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit
Example: “Uning ruhi biz bilan.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Used in both everyday speech and spiritual storytelling.

49. Tajik 🇹🇯

Word: Рӯҳ
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit
Example: “Рӯҳи ӯ бо мо аст.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Reflects spiritual heritage and Persian influence.

50. Kurdish 🇹🇯🇮🇶🇹🇷

Word: Ruh
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “Ruhê wî li me ye.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Deeply woven into folklore, poetry, and emotional expression.

51. Somali 🇸🇴

Word: Ruux
Pronunciation: Roo-ukh
Meaning: Spirit, soul, or ghost
Example: “Ruuxiisa weli wuu nala joogaa.”
(“His spirit is still with us.”)
Tone: Used in both spiritual and supernatural contexts.

52. Swahili 🇰🇪🇹🇿

Word: Roho
Pronunciation: Ro-ho
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Roho yake iko pamoja nasi.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Very common in religious speech and inspirational expressions.

53. Zulu 🇿🇦

Word: Umoya
Pronunciation: Oo-moh-ya
Meaning: Spirit, breath, or air
Example: “Umoya wakhe usekhona phakathi kwethu.”
(“His spirit is still among us.”)
Tone: Often used in cultural rituals and spiritual ceremonies.

54. Xhosa 🇿🇦

Word: Umoya
Pronunciation: Oo-moy-ya
Meaning: Spirit or breath
Example: “Umoya wakhe uselapha.”
(“His spirit is still here.”)
Tone: Deeply rooted in ancestral beliefs.

55. Yoruba 🇳🇬

Word: Ẹmí
Pronunciation: Eh-mee
Meaning: Spirit, breath, or soul
Example: “Ẹmí rẹ wà pẹ̀lú wa.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: A critical concept in spirituality and religion.

56. Igbo 🇳🇬

Word: Mụọ
Pronunciation: Moo-oh
Meaning: Spirit or ghost
Example: “Mụọ ya nọnyere anyị.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Essential in ancestral worship and cultural beliefs.

57. Hausa 🇳🇬

Word: Rai
Pronunciation: Rah-ee
Meaning: Life or spirit
Example: “Ransa yana tare da mu.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Connected to Islamic expressions of soul and life.

58. Amharic 🇪🇹

Word: ነፍስ (Nefsi)
Pronunciation: Nehf-s
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “ነፍሱ ከእኛ ጋር ነው።”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Strong religious and cultural importance.

59. Tigrinya 🇪🇷🇪🇹

Word: ነፍሲ (Nefsi)
Pronunciation: Nehf-see
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “ነፍሲ እሱ ኣብ ሕደገና ኣሎ።”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Shares similar roots with Amharic and holds deep spiritual value.

60. Oromo 🇪🇹

Word: Namaa
Pronunciation: Na-maa
Meaning: Spirit or personhood
Example: “Namaa isaa waliin jirra.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Used in philosophical and spiritual conversations.

61. Filipino 🇵🇭

Word: Espiritu
Pronunciation: Es-pee-ree-too
Meaning: Spirit or ghost
Example: “Ang kanyang espiritu ay nasa atin pa rin.”
(“His spirit is still with us.”)
Tone: Used in both religious and emotional settings.

62. Malay 🇲🇾 / Indonesian 🇮🇩

Word: Semangat
Pronunciation: Seh-mah-ngat
Meaning: Spirit, enthusiasm, or motivation
Example: “Dia mempunyai semangat yang kuat.”
(“He has a strong spirit.”)
Tone: Typically used to convey energy and drive.

63. Lao 🇱🇦

Word: ວິນຍານ (Winyan)
Pronunciation: Win-yan
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “ວິນຍານຂອງລາວຢູ່ກັບເຮົາ.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Reflects deep Buddhist beliefs.

64. Khmer 🇰🇭

Word: វិញ្ញាណ (Vinhhean)
Pronunciation: Vin-nyan
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “វិញ្ញាណរបស់គាត់នៅជាមួយយើង។”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Used mostly in religious contexts.

65. Sinhala 🇱🇰

Word: ආත්මා (Ātmā)
Pronunciation: Aath-maa
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “ඔහුගේ ආත්මා අප සමඟ ඉන්නවා.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Spiritual and philosophical.

66. Nepali 🇳🇵

Word: आत्मा (Ātmā)
Pronunciation: Aath-maa
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “उनको आत्मा अझै हामीसँग छ।”
(“His spirit is still with us.”)
Tone: Closely tied to Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.

67. Pashto 🇦🇫

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “د هغه روح زموږ سره دی.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Common in spiritual and poetic expressions.

68. Dari (Persian dialect) 🇦🇫

Word: روح
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit
Example: “روح او هنوز با ماست.”
(“His spirit is still with us.”)
Tone: Formal and cultural.

69. Tajik 🇹🇯

Word: Руҳ (Ruh)
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Рӯҳи ӯ бо мо аст.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Reflects Persian roots with Islamic influence.

70. Uzbek 🇺🇿

Word: Ruh
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Uning ruhi biz bilan.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Reverent and used in religious references.

71. Turkmen 🇹🇲

Word: Ruh
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit
Example: “Onuň ruhy biziň bilen.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Common in memorials and prayers.

72. Mongolian 🇲🇳

Word: Сүнс (Süns)
Pronunciation: Soon-s
Meaning: Spirit or ghost
Example: “Түүний сүнс бидэнтэй хамт байна.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Used in shamanic and religious traditions.

73. Georgian 🇬🇪

Word: სული (Suli)
Pronunciation: Soo-lee
Meaning: Soul or spirit
Example: “მისი სული ჩვენთან არის.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Used poetically and spiritually.

74. Armenian 🇦🇲

Word: հոգի (Hoki)
Pronunciation: Ho-kee
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Նրա հոգին մեզ հետ է։”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Common in church prayers and eulogies.

75. Kazakh 🇰🇿

Word: Рух (Rukh)
Pronunciation: Rooh
Meaning: Spirit or soul
Example: “Оның рухы бізбен бірге.”
(“His spirit is with us.”)
Tone: Tied to ancestral honor and traditions.

🧠 Why Learn the Word “Spirit” in Other Languages?

🌐 It’s a powerful concept present in every culture, often tied to philosophy, religion, and emotion.
💬 Understanding tone helps avoid misuse—like saying a ghost instead of inner strength!
🧭 Useful when traveling, attending multicultural events, or reading global literature.

🌏 How Tone and Context Matter in Different Cultures

In many Asian and African cultures, “spirit” refers not just to an individual’s soul but to collective ancestors.
In Western languages, it often aligns with mental state or motivation (“team spirit”).
In religious contexts, tone can shift dramatically—e.g., solemn in Christianity vs. mystical in Shamanism.