1.
protective talisman, amulet, charm
A written or inscribed charm believed to ward off evil, illness, or misfortune through spiritual power.
護符を身につける。
To wear a protective talisman.
神社で護符をいただいた。
I received a protective charm at the shrine.
古い護符が家の柱に貼ってあったのを見つけた。
I found an old talisman stuck to a pillar in the house.
A 護符 is typically a strip of paper or wood inscribed with sacred characters, prayers, or symbols. Unlike お守り (which is usually a fabric pouch), 護符 specifically refers to the written or printed charm itself.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 護符を貼る: to affix a talisman (to a door, pillar, etc.)
- 護符を身につける: to carry a talisman on one's person
- 護符を授かる: to receive a talisman (from a temple or shrine)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- お守り: amulet, charm (usually a fabric pouch from a shrine)
- 札: paper charm, talisman (general term)
- 呪符: spell tag (emphasis on magical power)