Halpern confirms that 神 can mean “Shinto deity.” Here are some examples:
神社 (jinja: Shinto shrine) gods + shrine
Oh, right! I learned this in class. Love the graphically striking repetition of
(the altar radical). By the way, if you’re having one of those “Where have I seen this kanji?” moments in terms of 社, you know it from 会社 (kaisha: company, association + company) and its inverse, 社会 (shakai: society, society + association). In all three words, 社 has a different meaning, which is why you may have drawn a blank (or at least why I did!).
神道 (Shintō) gods + the way
So Shinto is the way of the gods!
神宮 (jingū: Shinto shrine) Shinto + Shinto shrine
Recognize the second kanji? You may have seen it in this great compound:
子宮 (shikyū: womb, uterus) child + palace
神主 (kannushi: Shinto priest) gods + master
You likely know the second kanji from 主人 (shujin: (my) husband, master + person).
(the altar radical). By the way, if you’re having one of those “Where have I seen this kanji?” moments in terms of 社, you know it from 会社 (kaisha: company, association + company) and its inverse, 社会 (shakai: society, society + association). In all three words, 社 has a different meaning, which is why you may have drawn a blank (or at least why I did!).
