When you want to talk about a Buddhist temple in Japanese, you use the word おてら (otera). This is a very common word, and it's good to know!
You might see many おてら if you visit Japan. They are often beautiful and peaceful places.
It's important to remember that おてら specifically refers to a Buddhist temple. If you want to talk about a Shinto shrine, you would use a different word: じんじゃ (jinja).
§ What is “おてら”?
The Japanese word “おてら” (pronounced oh-teh-rah) is a noun that directly translates to “Buddhist temple” in English. This is a fundamental word to know if you're interested in Japanese culture, history, or even just navigating around Japan. Temples are an integral part of the Japanese landscape and spiritual life, so you'll encounter this word frequently.
- DEFINITION
- Buddhist temple
§ When do people use “おてら”?
You'll use “おてら” whenever you're talking about a Buddhist temple. This can be in many contexts:
- Asking for directions: If you're looking for a temple, you'd use “おてら” in your question.
- Describing a visit: When you talk about going to or having visited a temple.
- Discussing Japanese culture or history: Temples are central to both, so “おてら” will naturally come up.
- Reading maps or guidebooks: You'll see this word frequently when identifying locations of interest.
It's important to differentiate “おてら” (Buddhist temple) from “じんじゃ” (jinja), which means Shinto shrine. While both are places of worship and cultural significance, they belong to different religions and have distinct architectural styles and practices.
§ Examples of “おてら” in sentences
Let's look at some practical examples to see how “おてら” is used:
あのおてらは古いです。
Translation hint: That temple is old.
明日、おてらに行きます。
Translation hint: Tomorrow, I will go to the temple.
この近くにおてらはありますか？
Translation hint: Is there a temple nearby?
京都は美しいおてらが多いです。
Translation hint: Kyoto has many beautiful temples.
Understanding “おてら” is a stepping stone to deeper comprehension of Japanese society and its historical roots. Start using it in your practice sentences and conversations, and you'll find it incredibly useful.
§ What おてら (otera) means
Let's break down the word おてら (otera). It means 'Buddhist temple'. This is a common word you'll hear and see a lot in Japan. It's an important part of Japanese culture and daily life.
- Japanese Word
- おてら (otera)
- Meaning
- Buddhist temple
- Grammar
- Noun
- CEFR Level
- A2
§ Where you actually hear this word — work, school, news
You'll encounter おてら in many situations, whether it's in casual conversation, school lessons, or even the news. Temples are everywhere in Japan, so the word comes up naturally. Here are some common contexts:
- Talking about travel or sightseeing: If you're planning a trip or discussing places to visit, おてら will definitely come up. Japan has many famous temples that are popular tourist spots.
- In history or cultural discussions: Temples have a deep historical and cultural significance in Japan. When learning about Japanese history or traditions, you'll often hear about おてら.
- In everyday conversations: You might hear people talking about going to an おてら for a quiet moment, or for a festival.
- In the news: News reports might cover events happening at temples, such as traditional ceremonies, disaster relief efforts, or renovation projects.
Let's look at some examples of how おてら is used in sentences.
京都にはたくさんおてらがあります。
- Hint
- Kyoto has many temples.
週末に家族とおてらに行きました。
- Hint
- I went to the temple with my family on the weekend.
そのおてらはとても歴史があります。
- Hint
- That temple has a lot of history.
As you can see, おてら is a versatile word. Pay attention to how it's used in different contexts when you're listening to Japanese or reading texts. This will help you get a better feel for its natural usage.
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Particles: に (ni) - indicating a destination or location for movement verbs.
がっこうに いきます. (I go to school.)
Demonstrative pronouns: この (kono) - 'this' when followed by a noun.
この ほん (this book)
Particle: は (wa) - topic marker.
わたしは がくせいです. (I am a student.)
〜ました (mashita) - past tense for verbs.
たべました (ate)
Particle: を (o) - direct object marker.
パンを たべます. (I eat bread.)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
おてらのきょうぞうには、ふるいかんのんぼさつがまつられています。
The sutra repository of the temple houses an ancient statue of Kannon Bodhisattva.
しゅしょうがおてらにざぜんしにいったところ、しんせきがおとずれてきた。
While the prime minister was at the temple to practice Zen meditation, relatives came to visit.
おてらのしゅうへんには、たびのかずがすくないいなかむらがひろがっていた。
Around the temple, a rural village with few travelers spread out.
そのおてらでは、しゅくぼうにとまることができ、ふだんのせいかつとはちがったたいけんができる。
At that temple, you can stay in temple lodging and have an experience different from everyday life.
おてらのえんがわにすわり、しずかにていえんをながめていると、こころがおだやかになる。
Sitting on the temple's veranda and quietly gazing at the garden brings peace to the mind.
おてらのさいじつには、おおぜいのひとがさんけいにきて、おまつりはにぎわいをみせる。
On temple festival days, many people come to worship, and the festival becomes lively.
かれは、こどものころ、よくおてらであそび、そのけいだいにあるおおきなきにのぼっていた。
When he was a child, he often played at the temple and climbed the big tree in its precincts.
むかしからこのおてらは、ちいきのひとびとのこころのよりどころとなってきた。
Since ancient times, this temple has been a spiritual haven for the local people.
يُخلط عادةً مع
A Shinto shrine, a distinct type of religious building from a Buddhist temple.
Souvenir, not to be confused with おてら which is a place. Although you might buy おみやげ at おてら.
House/home, a general place of residence, not a place of worship.
سهل الخلط
Often confused with 神社 (jinja) which means Shinto shrine. Both are places of worship but have distinct architectural styles and religious practices.
おてら (otera) is a Buddhist temple, characterized by features like pagodas and statues of Buddha. 神社 (jinja) is a Shinto shrine, known for torii gates and often housing kami (deities).
日本にはたくさんおてらがあります。 (Nihon ni wa takusan otera ga arimasu.) Hint: There are many [Buddhist temples] in Japan.
Frequently mistaken for おてら (otera) due to both being religious sites.
じんじゃ (jinja) is a Shinto shrine, identified by its distinctive red torii gates and focuses on worshipping Shinto deities. おてら (otera) is a Buddhist temple, often featuring statues of Buddha and pagodas.
鳥居はじんじゃの入り口です。 (Torii wa jinja no iriguchi desu.) Hint: A torii is the entrance to a [Shinto shrine].
While it means New Year, learners sometimes confuse it with '正月' (shōgatsu) which is the same meaning but 'お' is honorific and more commonly used.
おしょうがつ (oshōgatsu) is the polite and commonly used term for New Year. 正月 (shōgatsu) is the more direct term. Both refer to the Japanese New Year period.
おしょうがつにはおもちを食べます。 (Oshōgatsu ni wa omochi o tabemasu.) Hint: We eat mochi during [New Year's].
Can be confused with 'お菓子' (okashi), which is the same word. The hiragana spelling 'おかし' is often used for a more general or softer tone, but context usually clarifies.
おかし (okashi) refers to sweets, snacks, or confectionery in general. It's a broad term. There isn't a significant difference in meaning from its kanji form, but hiragana is sometimes used for simplicity or a softer feel.
このおかしはとてもおいしいです。 (Kono okashi wa totemo oishii desu.) Hint: These [sweets/snacks] are very delicious.
Often confused with 'ちち' (chichi) which also means father. The difference is about who you are talking about.
おとうさん (otōsan) is the polite way to refer to someone else's father or to your own father when speaking to him directly. ちち (chichi) is the humble way to refer to your own father when speaking to others.
わたしのおとうさんはやさしいです。 (Watashi no otōsan wa yasashii desu.) Hint: My [father] is kind.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Imagine a friendly 'otter' (おてら) offering you a tour of a beautiful Buddhist temple. The 'o' at the beginning of 'otter' and 'おてら' will help you remember.
ربط بصري
Picture a serene Buddhist temple with a large, ornate gate. In front of the gate, imagine a cute otter wearing a tiny monk's robe, bowing respectfully.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to describe your favorite temple or a temple you'd like to visit using 'おてら'. For example, '私は京都のおてらに行きたいです。' (I want to go to a temple in Kyoto.) or 'このおてらはとてもきれいです。' (This temple is very beautiful.)
اختبر نفسك 54 أسئلة
京都にはたくさん美しい___があります。
Kyoto has many beautiful Buddhist temples. The word for Buddhist temple is おてら.
週末に家族と___に行きました。
I went to a Buddhist temple with my family on the weekend. The word for Buddhist temple is おてら.
日本の古い___は、とてもしずかです。
Old Japanese Buddhist temples are very quiet. The word for Buddhist temple is おてら.
___で、おいのりをしました。
I prayed at the Buddhist temple. The word for Buddhist temple is おてら.
この近くに___がありますか。
Is there a Buddhist temple near here? The word for Buddhist temple is おてら.
日本の___は、いつもきれいです。
Japanese Buddhist temples are always clean. The word for Buddhist temple is おてら.
Which of these is typically a place of worship for Buddhists?
おてら (otera) means Buddhist temple, which is a place of worship for Buddhists. がっこう (gakkou) is school, びょういん (byouin) is hospital, and スーパー (suupaa) is supermarket.
You want to visit a historical Buddhist site in Japan. What kind of place would you look for?
おてら (otera) means Buddhist temple, which are often historical sites. えいがかん (eigakan) is a movie theater, カフェ (kafe) is a cafe, and こうえん (kouen) is a park.
Which word means 'Buddhist temple'?
おてら (otera) directly translates to Buddhist temple. おみせ (omise) means shop, おうち (ouchi) means home, and おんせん (onsen) means hot spring.
An おてら (otera) is a place where people usually go to buy groceries.
An おてら (otera) is a Buddhist temple, not a place to buy groceries.
Many おてら (otera) in Japan are old and have a lot of history.
Buddhist temples in Japan are often very old and have significant historical and cultural importance.
おてら (otera) is the Japanese word for 'school'.
おてら (otera) means Buddhist temple. The word for 'school' is がっこう (gakkou).
You are telling a friend about visiting a famous Buddhist temple in Japan. Write a short message.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨日、有名なお寺に行きました。とてもきれいでした。
Describe a simple action you might do at a temple, for example, taking photos or seeing a Buddha statue.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お寺で仏像を見ました。写真もたくさん撮りました。
Imagine you are making plans to meet a friend at a temple. Write a sentence suggesting this meeting.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今週末、お寺で会いませんか。
この場所はどんな場所ですか。
Read this passage:
これは古くて大きいお寺です。たくさんの人が毎日ここに来ます。静かな場所です。
この場所はどんな場所ですか。
文章に「静かな場所です」と書いてあります。
文章に「静かな場所です」と書いてあります。
京都には何がたくさんありますか。
Read this passage:
京都には有名なお寺がたくさんあります。観光客はよくお寺を訪れます。
京都には何がたくさんありますか。
文章に「京都には有名なお寺がたくさんあります」と書いてあります。
文章に「京都には有名なお寺がたくさんあります」と書いてあります。
筆者は日曜日どこに行きましたか。
Read this passage:
日曜日に家族と一緒にお寺に行きました。そこで日本の歴史について学びました。
筆者は日曜日どこに行きましたか。
文章に「日曜日に家族と一緒にお寺に行きました」と書いてあります。
文章に「日曜日に家族と一緒にお寺に行きました」と書いてあります。
Kyoto has many beautiful temples.
Meditating at the temple calms the mind.
Japanese temples are known for their high historical value.
Read this aloud:
お寺の鐘の音はとても心が和みます。
Focus: おてら (o-te-ra), こころ (ko-ko-ro), なごみます (na-go-mi-ma-su)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
このお寺は桜の名所としても有名です。
Focus: おてら (o-te-ra), さくら (sa-ku-ra), めいしょ (mei-sho), ゆうめい (yū-mei)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
来週、家族と一緒にお寺を訪れる予定です。
Focus: らいしゅう (rai-shū), かぞく (ka-zo-ku), いっしょ (is-sho), おてら (o-te-ra), おとずれる (o-to-zu-re-ru), よてい (yo-tei)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are explaining the significance of Buddhist temples in Japanese culture to a friend. Write a short paragraph in Japanese outlining their role in history and daily life.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本のお寺は、単なる建物ではありません。長い歴史の中で、文化や宗教の中心として重要な役割を果たしてきました。多くの人々が精神的な安らぎを求めに訪れ、観光客にとっても魅力的な場所です。
You are writing a travel blog post about your recent visit to a famous temple. Describe your experience, including what you saw, felt, and learned, in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
先日、京都の有名なお寺を訪れました。広大な敷地には美しい庭園が広がり、歴史を感じさせる建物に感動しました。静かな雰囲気の中で、日本の伝統と精神性を深く感じることができ、忘れられない体験となりました。
Compare and contrast the roles of a Buddhist temple (お寺) and a Shinto shrine (神社) in Japanese society. Write a short essay in Japanese.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本社会において、お寺と神社はどちらも重要な存在ですが、その役割には違いがあります。お寺は仏教を信仰する場所であり、死者への供養や精神的な修行の場として機能します。一方、神社は神道の神々を祀り、現世の願い事や人生の節目で訪れることが多いです。しかし、どちらも日本の文化や人々の生活に深く根ざしています。
この文章によると、日本のお寺が観光客に人気がある主な理由は何ですか？
Read this passage:
日本の多くのお寺は、その美しい庭園や歴史的な建造物で知られています。特に京都には、世界遺産に登録されているお寺が数多くあり、国内外から多くの観光客が訪れます。これらの寺院は、仏教の教えを伝えるだけでなく、日本の芸術や建築の発展にも大きく貢献してきました。
この文章によると、日本のお寺が観光客に人気がある主な理由は何ですか？
文章の冒頭で、「日本の多くのお寺は、その美しい庭園や歴史的な建造物で知られています」と述べられています。
文章の冒頭で、「日本の多くのお寺は、その美しい庭園や歴史的な建造物で知られています」と述べられています。
お寺が地域社会で果たしてきた役割として、文章中で述べられているのはどれですか？
Read this passage:
お寺は単なる宗教施設ではなく、地域社会の中心としての役割も担ってきました。例えば、かつては教育の場であったり、災害時には避難所として機能することもありました。現代でも、文化イベントや地域のお祭りが行われるなど、人々の交流の場となっています。
お寺が地域社会で果たしてきた役割として、文章中で述べられているのはどれですか？
文章中に「かつては教育の場であったり、災害時には避難所として機能することもありました」と明記されています。
文章中に「かつては教育の場であったり、災害時には避難所として機能することもありました」と明記されています。
禅宗のお寺で提供される主な体験活動は何ですか？
Read this passage:
禅宗のお寺では、座禅や写経といった修行体験ができる場所が多くあります。これらの体験は、日々の忙しさから離れ、心を落ち着かせたいと願う人々にとって、貴重な機会を提供します。また、精進料理を味わえるお寺もあり、心身の健康を考える人々に人気です。
禅宗のお寺で提供される主な体験活動は何ですか？
文章の冒頭で「禅宗のお寺では、座禅や写経といった修行体験ができる場所が多くあります」と説明されています。
文章の冒頭で「禅宗のお寺では、座禅や写経といった修行体験ができる場所が多くあります」と説明されています。
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence: 多くの人が_______で心の安らぎを求めます。
The sentence speaks of finding peace of mind, which is commonly sought in a temple (おてら). The other options (department store, hospital, school) do not fit the context.
Which of the following activities is most commonly associated with visiting an おてら?
Visiting a temple (おてら) is primarily for religious observance or seeking spiritual solace, which is best described by お参りをする. The other options are unrelated.
Select the sentence where おてら is used correctly in the context of historical preservation.
Temples, especially old ones, are significant cultural assets. Therefore, their restoration is crucial for cultural property protection. The other options describe activities that are not typically associated with temples or their preservation.
おてらは通常、賑やかな商業地区の中心部に位置しています。(Temples are usually located in the heart of bustling commercial districts.)
While some temples might be in urban areas, many significant temples are often found in quieter, more serene locations, sometimes even amidst nature, to foster a peaceful atmosphere, rather than in the midst of bustling commercial districts.
日本の多くのおてらでは、座禅や写経の体験ができます。(At many temples in Japan, you can experience Zazen meditation or Sutra copying.)
It is very common for Buddhist temples in Japan to offer experiences such as Zazen (seated meditation) and Shakyo (sutra copying) to visitors who wish to engage in spiritual practices.
おてらで手を叩いてお参りするのは一般的な作法です。(Clapping your hands when praying at a temple is common etiquette.)
Clapping hands (柏手 - kashiwade) is typically done at Shinto shrines, not Buddhist temples (おてら). At temples, the common practice is to bow, sometimes offering incense or coins, and silently pray.
This sentence means 'There are many historical temples in Kyoto.' The correct order starts with the location, followed by the descriptive phrase, the noun 'おてら' (temple), and then the verb phrase.
This sentence means 'I meditated at a quiet temple.' The adjective comes before the noun, followed by the location particle 'で', then the object and verb.
This sentence means 'That temple is famous for its beautiful garden.' The demonstrative pronoun 'その' comes first, followed by the noun and topic particle 'は', then the reason and the adjective '有名です' (famous).
古都京都には多くの美しい___があります。
Kyoto is famous for its numerous temples. 'お寺' specifically refers to Buddhist temples.
旅行者は静けさを求めて、人里離れた山間の___を訪れた。
Travelers seeking tranquility often visit temples located in secluded mountain areas. 'お寺' fits the context of a peaceful, spiritual place.
彼らは歴史的な___の境内で、瞑想の時間を過ごしました。
Meditation is a common practice at temples. The grounds of a historical 'お寺' provide an ideal setting for this.
その___は、何世紀にもわたる日本の仏教美術の宝庫です。
Temples often house valuable Buddhist art and artifacts, making 'お寺' a fitting choice for a 'treasure trove of Buddhist art'.
毎年、大晦日には多くの人々が近所の___で除夜の鐘を聞きに集まります。
Ringing the New Year's Eve bell (除夜の鐘) is a traditional event held at Buddhist temples, making 'お寺' the correct answer.
彼の祖父は、毎日朝早くに近くの___へお参りに行くのが日課だった。
Visiting a temple to pray (お参りに行く) is a common daily routine for many devout individuals. 'お寺' is the place where this activity takes place.
The tranquility of the old temple makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
When I was a child, I often went to the temple with my family to pay our respects.
Many historic temples are scattered throughout this region.
Read this aloud:
京都には、世界遺産に登録されているお寺がいくつもあります。
Focus: 世界遺産 (sekai isan)
قلت:
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Read this aloud:
お寺の庭園は、日本の美意識を象徴するかのようです。
Focus: 美意識 (biishiki)
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
お寺の鐘の音が、夕暮れ時の街に響き渡ります。
Focus: 響き渡ります (hibikiwatarimasu)
قلت:
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/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
مثال
京都には古いお寺がたくさんあります。
محتوى ذو صلة
قواعد ذات صلة
مزيد من كلمات travel
くらい/ぐらい
B1Particle indicating extent, degree, or 'about/approximately'.
宿泊
B1The act of staying overnight in a place, such as a hotel or guest house. Essential for IELTS General Task 1 letters regarding travel complaints or bookings.
入場料
B1The fee paid to enter a place.
入場券
B1A ticket allowing entry to an event or place.
冒険
B1Adventure; an exciting or unusual experience.
手頃
B1Reasonable in price or size; affordable, suitable.
〜の後に
B1After (a noun or event).
〜の後で
B1After (time or place), behind.
飛行場
A2Airport.
航空会社
B1Airline company.
