Translation guide
In Japan, shrines (jinja) and temples (tera) are distinct religious sites with different practices. This guide helps learners refer to them naturally in Japanese.
The speaker wants to mention shrines and temples as a category of places to visit or talk about.
There are many shrines and temples in Kyoto.
A more formal, written term for 'shrines and temples'. Often used in guidebooks or historical contexts.
There are many shrines and temples in this area.
A concise term used in historical or administrative contexts. Less common in everyday speech.
Visiting shrines and temples is the purpose of the trip.
The speaker wants to clarify the difference or refer to them separately.
Shinto shrine. Characterized by torii gates and often dedicated to kami (gods).
The torii gate of that shrine is very large.
Buddhist temple. Often has a pagoda, a main hall, and a cemetery. The 'お' is polite.
Same as お寺 but without the polite prefix. Used in compound words or casual speech.
The speaker wants to talk about the act of visiting these places.
神社 (jinja) are Shinto shrines, often with a torii gate and purification fountain. お寺 (otera) are Buddhist temples, often with a pagoda, incense, and a cemetery. When in doubt, look for the torii (shrine) or a pagoda/graveyard (temple).
Shrines have torii gates, but temples do not.
Using お寺 instead of 寺 is more polite and common in everyday speech. For shrines, 神社 is standard; お神社 is not used.
お寺でお参りをしました。
I prayed at the temple.
That temple is old.
I enjoyed touring shrines and temples over the weekend.