noun
A Japanese-derived term meaning “a reason worth dying for” or “a death that has meaning.”
Often described as the inverse of ikigai (a reason for living), shinigai refers not to a desire for death itself, but to the search for purpose, dignity, or significance in one’s end—especially in situations where life feels endless, distorted, or burdened.
Shinigai is philosophical rather than suicidal, emphasizing meaning over despair.
A Japanese-derived term meaning “a reason worth dying for” or “a death that has meaning.”
Often described as the inverse of ikigai (a reason for living), shinigai refers not to a desire for death itself, but to the search for purpose, dignity, or significance in one’s end—especially in situations where life feels endless, distorted, or burdened.
Shinigai is philosophical rather than suicidal, emphasizing meaning over despair.
“After everything he’d survived, he wasn’t afraid of dying anymore—he just wanted his death to have shinigai.”
by Shinigai February 7, 2026
Get the Shinigai mug.Shinigami literaly translated means: Death God, or God of Death. It is most commonly used in the Anime/Manga "Bleach" and the Anime/Manga "Death Note".
In Bleach, Shinigamis' (Soul Reapers in the English Translation) main jobs are to send spirits to the Soul Society (aka. the afterlife) and to cleanse Hollows.
In Death Note, Shinigamis are the (original) owners of notebooks called the Death Note. If a name is written in the Note, then the person of that name would die, and the responsible Shinigami would gain life.
In Bleach, Shinigamis' (Soul Reapers in the English Translation) main jobs are to send spirits to the Soul Society (aka. the afterlife) and to cleanse Hollows.
In Death Note, Shinigamis are the (original) owners of notebooks called the Death Note. If a name is written in the Note, then the person of that name would die, and the responsible Shinigami would gain life.
Rukia gave Ichigo Shinigami powers to fight the hollow FishboneD.
Whoever writes a name of a person in the Death Note, that person would die of a heart attack 40 second later, if not specified.
Whoever writes a name of a person in the Death Note, that person would die of a heart attack 40 second later, if not specified.
by Redclaw5 February 13, 2007
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Shinigami can give the human Shinigami Eyes at the expense of taking half of that human's remaining lifespan.Humans who make the "eye deal" gain the ability to see other humans' names and lifespan, making it easier to write their victims' names in their Death Notes.
by randifuker January 21, 2015
Get the Shinigami Eyes mug.In Japanese Mythology, the equivalent of our Grim Reaper. Many Japanese shows (i.e. Bleach, Death Note, Naruto, Descendants of Darkness, Zombie Powder etc.) use Shinigami in their plots, carting off the dead souls to the Meifu (Spirit Relem)
by Dr.Pepperqueen January 7, 2009
Get the Shinigami mug.The lead singer and bassist for the band Noisettes, known for her Karen O meets Billie Holiday on PCP vocals and wild stage antics
by MariaV December 12, 2008
Get the Shingai Shoniwa mug.Shinigami is a Japanese word for God of Death. They are the Western equalivant of the Grim Reaper.
Shinigami are also the primary focus of the popular manga and now anime, Bleach.
Shinigami are also the primary focus of the popular manga and now anime, Bleach.
Rukia gave Ichigo the powers of a Shinigami to protect his family. (Bleach reference)
Only a Shinigami can put this lost soul to peace.
Only a Shinigami can put this lost soul to peace.
by Forksaken Profet December 17, 2004
Get the Shinigami mug.This fucking mimic scythe guy. He controls Shiniachi, but no more because the fucking event ended. Sama now controls Hiachi. He's literally so fast you can rage. Impossible to get his fucking badge lantern or smth. He also fucking has fears over white flames ( the flames/ safe spots )
Yasu / Juno : OMGGMGJMGMGMGMGM!!i!i!ii!i!i!i1i!!i SHINIGAMI IS SO BADDDDDD HE GOTTA TRYHARD TO BE FAST AND KILL US ALL
by kamikazea January 19, 2022
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