Translation guide
A dome-shaped Buddhist monument containing relics. In Japanese, the most common term is 卒塔婆 (sotoba), but it can also refer to a wooden grave tablet. Other terms like 仏塔 (buttō) or 塔 (tō) are used for pagodas or towers.
A dome-shaped structure housing sacred relics, common in Buddhist cultures.
The direct loanword from Sanskrit 'stupa'. In modern Japanese, this often refers to a wooden grave tablet placed at graves, but historically and in Buddhist contexts it means the dome-shaped monument.
In everyday Japanese, 卒塔婆 (sotoba) more commonly means the wooden grave tablet, not the architectural stupa. For the architectural structure, (buttō) or (sutūpa) may be clearer.
A wooden slat inscribed with a posthumous Buddhist name, placed at graves in Japanese Buddhist traditions.
In a religious/historical context, 卒塔婆 can mean the architectural stupa, but in everyday Japanese it almost always means the wooden grave tablet. If you want to refer to the dome-shaped monument without ambiguity, use ストゥーパ or 仏塔.
The stupa at Sanchi in India is famous.
Katakana rendering of the Sanskrit word, used in academic or travel contexts to specifically refer to the dome-shaped monument.
This stupa was built in the 3rd century BCE.
General term for a Buddhist pagoda or tower, often used for multi-tiered structures. Can encompass stupas in a broader sense.
The stupa/pagoda is a symbol of Buddhism.
Means 'tower' or 'pagoda'. Can refer to a stupa-like structure but is very broad. Use with caution as it may not convey the specific Buddhist relic function.
It's a temple famous for its five-story pagoda.
In modern Japanese, this is the most common meaning of 卒塔婆. It refers to the wooden tablet, not the architectural stupa.
We placed a stupa tablet at the grave.
The word 'sotoba' comes from the Sanskrit 'stupa'.