Translation guide
A votive offering is an object left at a sacred place as an act of devotion, gratitude, or supplication. In Japanese contexts, this includes ema plaques, omamori, senjafuda, and other items. The concept is closely tied to Shinto and Buddhist practices.
The learner wants a general word for a votive offering in a Japanese religious context.
A general term for an object dedicated to a deity or temple. It is somewhat formal and often used in written contexts.
神社に奉納品を納める。
To dedicate a votive offering at a shrine.
Similar to 奉納品, but slightly less common. Used for objects offered to a shrine or temple.
この絵馬は奉納物です。
This ema is a votive offering.
The learner wants to refer to the small wooden plaques on which wishes are written and hung at shrines.
The most common type of votive offering. Wooden plaques where people write wishes or thanks and hang them at shrines.
絵馬に願い事を書いた。
I wrote my wish on an ema.
合格祈願の絵馬を奉納した。
I dedicated an ema praying for exam success.
The learner wants to refer to the small brocade amulets obtained at shrines and temples for protection or luck.
A protective amulet sold at shrines and temples. While not always considered a votive offering in the strict sense, they are often dedicated back to the shrine after use.
交通安全のお守りを買った。
I bought a traffic safety omamori.
The learner wants to refer to the paper slips or stickers pasted on shrine walls or gates as a sign of pilgrimage.
Paper slips or stickers bearing one's name, pasted on shrine or temple structures as a votive act or to mark a visit.
千社札を貼るのは、奉納の意味があります。
Pasting senjafuda has the meaning of a votive offering.
The learner wants to refer to offerings of food, drink, or other goods.
General term for offerings to deities or ancestors, including food, drink, and flowers. Often used in both Shinto and Buddhist contexts.
神棚にお供えをした。
I made an offering at the household Shinto altar.
A more formal term for offerings, often used in religious ceremonies.
供物を捧げる。
To offer votive offerings.
The learner wants to express the action of making a votive offering.
Verb meaning 'to dedicate' or 'to offer' to a deity or temple. Commonly used with ema and other votive items.
絵馬を奉納する。
To dedicate an ema.
A more general verb meaning 'to dedicate' or 'to offer', often used in the context of shrines.
神社にお金を納める。
To offer money at a shrine.
Votive offerings in Japan are deeply tied to Shinto and Buddhist practices. When visiting a shrine, you may see ema plaques, omamori, and senjafuda. It's common to purchase these at the shrine and dedicate them with a prayer.
The English term 'votive offering' is quite broad. In Japanese, specific items have their own names (ema, omamori, etc.). Using a general term like 奉納品 may sound overly formal or vague in everyday conversation. It's better to use the specific item name when possible.