PhraseNinja

Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 家内安全

かないあんぜん (kanai anzen)

English Translation:

Safety for the family

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

The safety and well-being of one’s family.
日本語で読む
家族が皆、無事で健康に暮らせること。

Cultural Context:

A classic wish at shrines and temples, written on amulets, prayer plaques (ema), and talismans. It is a typical prayer at the first shrine visit of the New Year.
日本語で読む
神社や寺での代表的な願いごとで、お守りや絵馬、お札などに書かれる。初詣で願う定番の言葉でもある。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase for a wish; often “家内安全を願う” or “家内安全のお守り.”
日本語で読む
• 願いごとを表し、「〜を願う」「〜のお守り」の形で使うことが多い。

Trap for English Speakers

家内 here means the whole household, not “my wife,” another meaning of 家内.
日本語で読む
ここでの「家内」は「妻」ではなく、家の中・家族全体のこと。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 初詣で家内安全と商売繁盛を祈った。

    At my first shrine visit of the year, I prayed for my family’s safety and good business.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 出立の前夜、忍は里の祠で家内安全を祈った。

    The night before setting out, the ninja prayed for his family’s safety at the village shrine.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「家内安全」 mean?

More questions: Yojijukugo quiz →