Translation guide
In Japanese, the word for 'temple' depends on whether it is Buddhist or Shinto. Buddhist temples are 寺 (tera) or お寺 (otera), while Shinto shrines are 神社 (jinja). This guide focuses on Buddhist temples, but includes the Shinto distinction because English 'temple' is often mistakenly used for both.
A place of worship in Buddhism, with buildings, grounds, and often a graveyard.
I visited a beautiful temple in Kyoto. · The temple bell rang at sunset. · Many temples have gardens.
The polite, everyday word for a Buddhist temple. Use this in most situations. The bare form 寺 (てら) is used in compounds or casual speech.
I went to visit a temple over the weekend.
A more formal term for a Buddhist temple, often used in official names or written contexts.
The basic word for temple, used in compound words or casual contexts. Often part of a temple's name.
Refers specifically to the temple buildings or complex, often used in historical or architectural contexts.
A Shinto place of worship, distinct from a Buddhist temple. English speakers often call these 'temples', but in Japanese they are 神社.
We visited a shrine and bought omamori. · The shrine's torii gate was bright red.
The standard word for a Shinto shrine. Use this when referring to Shinto places of worship, not お寺.
Referring to a place of worship in religions other than Buddhism or Shinto. Japanese often uses loanwords or descriptive terms.
The ancient temple was dedicated to Zeus. · They built a temple for their community.
When 'Temple' is part of a proper noun, such as a university or place name.
Proper nouns are usually rendered in katakana or kept as is. For Temple University, it's テンプル大学.
寺 (tera) is a Buddhist temple, while 神社 (jinja) is a Shinto shrine. They have different architecture, rituals, and religious affiliations. When in doubt, look for a torii gate (shrine) or a pagoda/grave (temple).
Senso-ji is a temple, but Meiji Jingu is a shrine.
This temple is very old.
That temple is designated as a national treasure.
Kiyomizu-dera is in Kyoto.
The temple buildings were constructed in the Edo period.
Meiji Jingu is a famous shrine in Tokyo.
I went to a shrine for the first visit of the new year.
A polite, somewhat traditional term for a Shinto shrine, often used in the context of festivals or local shrines.
There is a festival at the village shrine.
A high-ranking Shinto shrine, often associated with the imperial family. Examples: 明治神宮 (Meiji Jingu), 伊勢神宮 (Ise Jingu).
Ise Jingu is one of the most sacred shrines in Japan.
Can be used generically for religious buildings of various faiths, though it still leans Buddhist. Context clarifies.
I visited a Hindu temple.
Literally 'god-hall', used for ancient or non-Buddhist temples, like Greek or Egyptian temples.
Greek temples are made of marble.
Used for Christian churches or sacred halls, but can be extended to other religions' sacred spaces.
That temple (church) is known for its beautiful stained glass.
Temple University is in Philadelphia.
The loanword テンプル (tenpuru) is rarely used for religious temples; it mainly refers to the side of the head (temple) or proper nouns. Use お寺 or 神社 instead.