noun
Refers to a Shinto shrine, often used in proper names like 明治神宮 (Meiji Jingū). Distinct from 寺 (temple).
初詣で有名な宮に参拝した。
I visited a famous shrine for the first shrine visit of the new year.
noun
Specifically an imperial palace or residence, such as 皇居 (Kōkyo).
宮中では新年の儀式が行われる。
New Year ceremonies are held at the imperial palace.
noun
Imperial prince; Imperial princess
Honorific term for a prince or princess of the imperial family. Often used as a suffix in titles, e.g., 秋篠宮 (Akishino-no-miya).
秋篠宮ご夫妻が式典に出席された。
Prince and Princess Akishino attended the ceremony.
noun
headboard with built-in shelves, drawers, etc.
A type of headboard for a bed that incorporates storage such as shelves or drawers. A niche furniture term.
このベッドは宮付きで、小物が収納できる。
This bed comes with a storage headboard where you can keep small items.
noun
Archaic usage for a Buddhist temple. In modern Japanese, 寺 (tera) is used instead.
古い文献では、宮が寺を指すこともある。
In old texts, 宮 can sometimes refer to a temple.
神社 is the general term for a Shinto shrine, while 宮 often appears in proper names of major shrines or imperial-related shrines.
寺 is the standard word for a Buddhist temple. 宮 in the archaic sense overlaps, but is not used in modern Japanese.
御所 specifically refers to the Kyoto Imperial Palace or the residence of a retired emperor, while 宮 is a broader term for imperial residences.
The kanji 宮 originally depicted a roof over two rooms, representing a large building or palace. The reading みや is native Japanese, likely related to 御 (mi, honorific prefix) and 屋 (ya, house), thus 'honorable house'.