Translation guide
In Japanese culture, food offerings to gods (kami) are central to Shinto rituals. The most common term is お供え (osonae), but specific words exist for different contexts, such as formal shrine offerings or rice offerings.
The broad concept of presenting food to a deity, often at a home altar or shrine.
The most common and general term for a food offering to a god or Buddha. Used in both Shinto and Buddhist contexts. The honorific prefix お makes it polite.
I made an offering at the household Shinto altar.
A more formal or literary term for offerings, often used in religious ceremonies. Can refer to both food and non-food items.
To dedicate offerings at a shrine.
A slightly more explicit version of お供え, emphasizing the item itself. Common in everyday speech.
We receive the offerings as blessed food after they are taken down.
Specifically uncooked rice offered to a deity, a staple in Shinto rituals.
In the context of offerings, お米 refers to uncooked rice placed on the altar. The honorific お is essential.
Every morning, I offer rice at the household altar.
Washed uncooked rice used specifically as an offering. More precise than お米 in ritual contexts.
A set of offerings presented on a special stand at Shinto shrines, often including rice, sake, and other foods.
Refers to the formal food offerings made to the gods at Shinto shrines. Often includes rice, sake, fish, and vegetables.
The Shinto priest dedicated the sacred offerings.
An archaic or highly formal term for food offerings to the emperor or gods. Rarely used in modern language.
A ceremony to offer sacred food.
Sake presented to a deity, often in a special vessel.
Fruits, sweets, or other non-staple foods offered to gods or Buddhas.
Food offered on a Buddhist altar, often for deceased family members.
Same word as for Shinto offerings, but context distinguishes it. Used for offerings to Buddhas or ancestors.
During the equinoctial week, I offered ohagi (rice cakes).
Cooked rice offered to the Buddha or ancestors. A specific term in Buddhist practice.
After an offering has been on the altar for some time, it is taken down and consumed. This is called お下がり (osagari) and is considered a blessing. It is polite to say いただきます before eating it.
Simply saying 'food offering to the gods' in English and translating word-for-word may not convey the cultural nuance. Use the appropriate Japanese term based on context (Shinto vs. Buddhist, formal vs. informal).
洗米を供える。
To offer washed rice.
To offer sacred sake before the god.
During Obon, we offer sweets.
Every morning, I offer rice to the Buddha.