Translation guide
A Shinto shrine is a sacred place in Japan where kami (deities) are enshrined. The most common Japanese word is 神社 (jinja), but there are several other terms depending on size, status, or context.
The learner wants to refer to a Shinto shrine in everyday conversation or writing.
The most common and general term for a Shinto shrine. Can be used for almost any shrine, from small local ones to famous ones.
I went to pray at a nearby shrine.
This shrine is very old.
A slightly more polite or affectionate term for a shrine, often used in the names of specific shrines or in set phrases. Less common in neutral description.
We went for a shrine visit (for a newborn).
A somewhat literary or archaic term for a shrine. Often appears in compound words or shrine names, but rarely used alone in modern speech.
There was an old shrine in the forest.
The learner wants to emphasize the size, importance, or grandeur of a shrine.
Refers to a large or grand shrine, often one of high rank. Commonly used in official names like 出雲大社 (Izumo Taisha).
Izumo Taisha is very famous.
A shrine of the highest status, usually associated with the imperial family. The most famous is 伊勢神宮 (Ise Jingu).
The learner wants to refer to a small, often neighborhood shrine.
Literally 'small shrine'. Used for minor or branch shrines.
There was a festival at the village's small shrine.
A very small shrine, often a miniature structure by the roadside or in a field. Sometimes translated as 'wayside shrine'.
The learner wants to convey the sacredness or divine nature of the shrine.
Means 'sacred place' or 'holy ground'. Can refer to a shrine but is broader, including natural sacred sites.
That shrine is a sacred place from ancient times.
A sacred spot, often associated with spiritual power or pilgrimage. More specific than 聖地.
神社 (jinja) is a Shinto shrine, while 寺 (tera) is a Buddhist temple. They are distinct religious sites with different architecture and practices. Shrines have torii gates, while temples have sanmon gates.
Shrines have torii gates, while temples have sanmon gates.
When visiting a shrine, it is customary to bow twice, clap twice, and bow once after offering a coin. This is called 二礼二拍手一礼 (nirei nihakushu ichirei).
At a shrine, you bow twice, clap twice, and bow once.
伊勢神宮に参拝しました。
I visited Ise Jingu.
There was a small shrine by the roadside.
ここは有名な霊場です。
This is a famous sacred site.