Where does “南無” come from?

南無 (Japanese) comes from Sanskrit नमो, from Sanskrit नमस्, from Proto-Indo-European némos, from Proto-Indo-European nem- — to distribute; to give, to take.

南無 (Japanese): Used in Buddhist salutations or expressions of faith: to salute; to homage or to take refuge (a Buddha or a Bodhisattva)

Definitions

  1. Used in Buddhist salutations or expressions of faith: to salute; to homage or to take refuge (a Buddha or a Bodhisattva)

Ancestry of “南無”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Sanskritनमो—
2Sanskritनमस्bow, obeisance, reverential salutation,...
3Proto-Indo-Europeannémossacrifice, worship; place of sacrifice, clearing
4Proto-Indo-Europeannem-to distribute; to give, to take
Every word from Proto-Indo-European nem- →Every word from Proto-Indo-European némos →Every word from Sanskrit नमस् →