Japanese word

社

Pronunciation

Romajiyashiro

Meaning

  • nounshrine

Example

この社は古いです。ko no yashiro wa furu i de su

This shrine is old.

Illustration for 社 (shrine)

More examples

村の社で春の祭りが行われます。mura no yashiro de haru no matsu ri ga okona wa re ma su

A spring festival is held at the village shrine.

Core concept

Refers to a dedicated place or building where people honor a deity.

Common phrases

  • 社に参るyashiro ni mai ru

    worship at a shrine

  • 社を守るyashiro o mamo ru

    protect a shrine

Similar words

神社jinja: A Shinto shrine where a deity is enshrined and worshiped.
祠hokora: A small shrine that houses and honors a deity.

Definition in Japanese

神を祭るために設けた建物や場所。kami o matsu ru ta me ni mō ke ta tate mono ya ba sho

Word origin

The native Japanese word 社 (yashiro, "shrine") is often explained through 屋代 (yashiro, "a place or structure set apart"), referring to a place prepared for a deity.

Usage tips

  • In English translations, 神社 (jinja, "Shinto shrine") is usually called a shrine, while 寺 (tera, "Buddhist temple") is called a temple.

Word lists with this word