Japanese word

堂

Pronunciation

Romajidō

Meaning

  • nounhall

Example

このお堂は広いです。ko no o dō wa hiro i de su

This hall is spacious.

Illustration for 堂 (hall)

More examples

堂の入り口で友達を待ちます。dō no i ri guchi de tomo dachi o ma chi ma su

I wait for my friend at the entrance to the hall.

Core concept

Represents a substantial shared space set aside for formal gatherings or worship.

Similar words

ホールhōru: A large room or building used for public events, performances, or gatherings.
会堂kaidō: A building or hall used for meetings or religious gatherings.

Definition in Japanese

人が集まって儀式や礼拝などを行う大きな建物や部屋。hito ga atsu ma tte gi shiki ya rei hai na do o okona u ō ki na tate mono ya heya

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese noun 堂 (dō, "hall") uses the Chinese character 堂, whose established meanings include a large hall and a building for worship.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese Buddhist architecture, 堂 (dō) often appears in building names and points to a hall within a temple complex rather than the entire temple.

Other meanings

  • templenoun
  • chapelnoun

Word lists with this word