寺
tera[te̞ɾa̠]
The Japanese word for "buddhist temple" is 寺 (tera).
寺 is the standard term used to refer to a place of worship used by Buddhists.
Which one should you use?
While 寺 refers specifically to a Buddhist temple, the term 神社 is used for a Shinto shrine.
Did you know?
- In Japan, many people visit both a 寺 and a 神社 during the New Year, as the two traditions are often practiced simultaneously by the same person.
- The concept of a 寺 in Japan is distinct from a 神社 because the former is associated with death and ancestors, while the latter is associated with life and nature.
- Some scholars suggest that 寺 could be related to the Pali word 'thera', meaning 'elders', referring to the monks who live there.
Examples in context
- 私は京都のお寺を訪れました。I visited a Buddhist temple in Kyoto.
- この近くに有名な寺があります。Kono chikaku ni yuumeina tera ga arimasu.There is a famous buddhist temple near here.
- 古い寺を観光しました。Furui tera o kankou shimashita.I visited an old buddhist temple.
- 週末は静かな寺へ行きたいです。Shuumatsu wa shizukana tera e ikitai desu.I want to go to a quiet buddhist temple this weekend.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are planning a sightseeing trip.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さん、あそこの寺に行ってみませんか？Yota-san, asoko no tera ni itte mimasen ka?Yota, why don't we try going to that Buddhist temple over there?
- 陽太 Yotaいいですね。行きましょう。Ii desu ne. Ikimashou.That sounds good. Let's go.
- 美咲 Misakiこの寺は庭がきれいだそうです。Kono tera wa niwa ga kirei da sou desu.I heard this Buddhist temple has a beautiful garden.
- 陽太 Yota楽しみです。Tanoshimi desu.I'm looking forward to it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 寺, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 寺, CC BY-SA 4.0.
