護 符(ごふ)

ごふ

noun

protective talisman, amulet

culture

1. protective talisman, amulet, charm

A written or inscribed charm believed to ward off evil, illness, or misfortune through spiritual power.

護符(ごふ)を身(み)につける。

To wear a protective talisman.

神社(じんじゃ)で護符(ごふ)をいただいた。

I received a protective charm at the shrine.

古(ふる)い護符(ごふ)が家(いえ)の柱(はしら)に貼(は)ってあったのを見(み)つけた。

I found an old talisman stuck to a pillar in the house.

A 護符(ごふ) is typically a strip of paper or wood inscribed with sacred characters, prayers, or symbols. Unlike お守(まも)り (which is usually a fabric pouch), 護符(ごふ) specifically refers to the written or printed charm itself.

Common collocations

護符(ごふ)を貼(は)る: to affix a talisman (to a door, pillar, etc.)
護符(ごふ)を身(み)につける: to carry a talisman on one's person
護符(ごふ)を授(さず)かる: to receive a talisman (from a temple or shrine)

Similar words

お守(まも)り: amulet, charm (usually a fabric pouch from a shrine)
札(ふだ): paper charm, talisman (general term)
呪符(じゅふ): spell tag (emphasis on magical power)

Related Words

Compare: 札(ふだ) (paper charm, talisman)

general

Added 2026.4.21 0:23 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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