Translation guide
The English word "altar" refers to a table or platform used for religious ceremonies. In Japanese, the translation depends on the religious context: Christian, Buddhist, or Shinto. There is no single universal word.
The table used in Christian worship for the Eucharist or communion.
General term for altar in Christian contexts. Used in both Catholic and Protestant settings.
Flowers were arranged on the church altar.
A table or cabinet used for Buddhist rituals, offerings, and ancestor veneration.
A household Buddhist altar, often a cabinet containing a statue, photos of ancestors, and offerings. Very common in Japanese homes.
My grandmother prays at the family Buddhist altar every morning.
A raised platform or dais in a temple where a Buddha statue is placed. Not a household item.
A small household shrine for Shinto deities, often a shelf with a miniature shrine.
A high shelf or small household altar for Shinto gods (kami). Contains a miniature shrine (kamidana) and offerings.
On the Shinto altar, there are offerings of sakaki branches, water, and salt.
A table or structure for making offerings or performing rituals, not specific to a religion.
Can be used broadly for any altar-like structure, including non-Christian contexts, but often implies a formal religious setting.
A stone altar was discovered at the ancient ruins.
A table or stand specifically for offerings. Less common than 祭壇.
We placed an offering table in front of the grave.
仏壇 (butsudan) is a Buddhist altar for ancestors and Buddha, while 神棚 (kamidana) is a Shinto altar for kami. Many Japanese homes have one or both, but they serve different religious purposes. Do not confuse them.
Simply saying 祭壇 (saidan) may not convey the correct nuance. In a Japanese home, an 'altar' is usually 仏壇 or 神棚, not 祭壇. Use the specific term based on context.
本堂の須弥壇には金色の仏像が安置されている。
A golden Buddha statue is enshrined on the altar platform in the main hall.