Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'shrine' depends on whether it is Shintō or Buddhist, and the specific type. The most common general term is 神社 (jinja) for Shintō shrines, while 寺 (tera) refers to Buddhist temples. This guide covers how to refer to shrines in various contexts.
Referring to a Shintō shrine in general, or when the type is unknown.
The standard word for a Shintō shrine. It can be used for any shrine, from small local ones to major ones.
近くの神社にお参りに行った。
I went to pray at a nearby shrine.
この神社はとても古い。
This shrine is very old.
A slightly more polite or affectionate term for a Shintō shrine, often used for local or familiar ones. Can also refer specifically to the main hall.
村のお宮でお祭りがある。
There's a festival at the village shrine.
A somewhat literary or formal term for a Shintō shrine, often used in names or written language.
古い社が森の中にあった。
There was an old shrine in the forest.
Clarifying that 'shrine' in English sometimes mistakenly refers to a Buddhist temple; in Japanese, these are distinct.
The general word for a Buddhist temple. Use this when referring to a Buddhist place of worship, not 神社.
京都にはたくさんの寺がある。
There are many temples in Kyoto.
Referring to a shrine by its specific type or rank, such as a grand shrine or an Inari shrine.
A large or grand shrine, often used in names like 出雲大社 (Izumo Taisha).
出雲大社は有名な大社です。
Izumo Taisha is a famous grand shrine.
A shrine of especially high status, often associated with the imperial family, e.g., 伊勢神宮 (Ise Jingū).
A shrine dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity, often recognized by fox statues.
Referring to miniature shrines, such as those on streets or in homes.
A small shrine, often found by the roadside or in fields, dedicated to a local deity.
道端に小さな祠があった。
There was a small shrine by the roadside.
A household Shintō altar or shelf for enshrining a deity, not a building but a 'shrine' in the sense of a sacred space.
Referring to any sacred place or sanctuary, not necessarily Shintō.
A sacred place or holy ground, used for any religion or even metaphorically.
ここは古代の聖地だ。
This is an ancient shrine (sacred place).
A sacred spot or place of spiritual power, often used in the context of pilgrimages.
In English, 'shrine' can refer to both Shintō shrines and Buddhist temples, but in Japanese, 神社 (jinja) is for Shintō and 寺 (tera) is for Buddhist temples. Using the wrong term can cause confusion. If unsure, look for distinguishing features: shrines often have torii gates, while temples have a pagoda or incense burner.
When visiting a shrine, the act of praying is called お参り (omairi). You can say 神社にお参りする (jinja ni omairi suru) meaning 'to visit a shrine to pray'.
伊勢神宮は日本で最も重要な神宮です。
Ise Jingū is the most important shrine in Japan.
伏見稲荷大社は有名な稲荷神社です。
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a famous Inari shrine.
毎朝神棚に手を合わせる。
I pray at the household shrine every morning.
四国には八十八箇所の霊場がある。
There are 88 sacred sites (shrines) in Shikoku.