Kami (神^?) is the Japanese word for a effigy, a principle and any supernatural being. For example, "idol" (偶像^?), "mind" (心霊^?), "spirit" (精神^?), "God" (ゴッド^?), and "supreme being" (至上者^?). It is also for the spirits, natural forces, and essence in the Shinto faith. Although the word is sometimes translated as "god" or "deity," some Shinto scholars argue that such a translation can cause a misunderstanding of the term. The wide variety of usage of the word can be compared to the Sanskrit Deva and the Hebrew Elohim, which also refer to God, gods, angels or spirits.