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B1 verb #9,000 most common 9 min read

祀る

Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 祀る in 30 Seconds

Explanation 祀る in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '祀る' (matsuru) frequently, but you might see it when visiting Japan. Think of it as a special word for 'putting a god in a house.' In Japan, 'houses' for gods are called Shrines (Jinja). When people say '祀る,' they mean that a specific god lives in that shrine. For example, if you visit a shrine for 'learning,' the god of learning is 'matsuru-ed' there. You can remember it as 'God's home-making.' Just know that it's a very respectful and religious word. You won't use it for your friends or toys. It is only for gods and spirits in special places like shrines or small altars in Japanese houses.

At the A2 level, you can start to understand '祀る' as 'to worship' or 'to enshrine' in a religious context. You might encounter this word when reading about Japanese culture or visiting famous tourist spots like Kyoto. It's often used with the particle 'を' (the god) and 'に' (the place). For example: 'Jinja ni kami-sama wo matsuru' (Enshrine a god in a shrine). You might also hear about families who have a small altar at home to '祀る' their ancestors (grandparents who have passed away). It's a way of saying that the spirit of the person is being kept in a special, holy place to be honored every day with water or rice.

At the B1 level, you should recognize '祀る' as a specific transitive verb used for deification. It is important to distinguish it from the general word for 'respect' (sonkei) or 'honor' (uyamau). '祀る' involves a ritual act. You will often see it in the passive form '祀られている' (is enshrined). For instance, 'Sugawara no Michizane wa gakumon no kami toshite matsurarete iru' (Sugawara no Michizane is enshrined as the god of learning). This level requires understanding that '祀る' can apply to historical figures, nature spirits, or ancestors. It's a key word for discussing Japanese history, Shinto traditions, and the concept of 'Eight Million Gods' (Yaoyorozu no Kami).

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '祀る' in discussions about sociology, history, and religion. You should understand the nuance between '祀る' and its homophone '祭る.' While '祭る' often refers to the festive celebration (matsuri), '祀る' is strictly the ritualistic enshrinement. You might use this word to explain why certain shrines were built—often to appease 'goryo' (vengeful spirits) or to celebrate national heroes. You should also recognize the compound '合祀' (goushi), meaning to enshrine multiple deities together. At this level, you can use '祀る' metaphorically in literature or high-level conversation to describe treating something with extreme, almost religious, devotion.

At the C1 level, you should master the cultural and historical depth of '祀る.' This includes understanding its role in the 'State Shinto' of the past and its current implications in modern political discourse (e.g., the Yasukuni Shrine debates). You should be able to discuss the etymology—how the kanji '祀' relates to the earth gods and sacrificial rites. You should also be able to distinguish '祀る' from Buddhist terms like '供養する' (kuyou suru - memorial service) and '安置する' (anchi suru - to enshrine a statue). C1 learners should use '祀る' with precision in academic writing or formal presentations about Japanese folklore, mythology (like the Kojiki), and the evolution of Japanese spirituality.

At the C2 level, '祀る' is a tool for nuanced philosophical and theological discussion. You can analyze the linguistic shift from ancient Japanese 'matsuru' (meaning both to serve a superior and to worship a god) to the modern specific usage. You should be able to interpret classical texts or high-literature where '祀る' might carry archaic connotations of political governance (matsurigoto). You can discuss the psychological aspect of 'matsuru'—how the act of enshrining serves to stabilize the social order by transforming chaotic spirits into protective deities. Your usage should reflect a deep sensitivity to the word's gravity, avoiding it in all but the most appropriate spiritual or metaphorical contexts.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

祀る in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to enshrine or worship a deity, spirit, or ancestor in a sacred place like a shrine.
Specifically used for religious and spiritual contexts, distinguishing between the act of enshrinement and the celebration of a festival.
Commonly found in Shinto and Buddhist practices, involving rituals like offering food and prayers to the enshrined entity.
Essential for understanding Japanese culture, history, and the relationship between the living and the spiritual world.

The Japanese verb 祀る (まつる - matsuru) is a profound and culturally significant term that describes the act of enshrining, deifying, or offering ritualistic worship to a deity, a spirit, or the soul of an ancestor. Unlike casual words for 'respect' or 'honor,' 祀る is specifically rooted in the spiritual and religious traditions of Japan, particularly Shintoism and Japanese Buddhism. It refers to the formal process of placing a spirit into a shrine (jinja) or a household altar (kamidana or butsudan) so that it may be venerated and provide protection or blessings to the community or family.

Spiritual Context: This word is used when a human being is elevated to the status of a 'kami' (deity) after death. For example, the Meiji Emperor is enshrined at Meiji Jingu. The act of 祀る is what makes a location sacred.

この神社には、学問の神様が祀られています。(The god of learning is enshrined in this shrine.)

Understanding 祀る requires a grasp of the Japanese concept of 'kami.' In Western contexts, worship often implies a singular, omnipotent God. However, in Japan, anything that inspires awe—mountains, trees, historical figures, or ancestors—can be 'matsuru-ed.' When you 祀る something, you are not just remembering it; you are inviting its essence to reside in a specific physical space to be cared for through ritual offerings of food, water, and prayer. This verb is the bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm.

Ancestral Worship: In many Japanese homes, deceased family members are 祀る at a domestic altar. This ensures the ancestors remain part of the family's daily life, receiving reports on major life events like marriages or births.

先祖の霊を仏壇に祀る習慣があります。(There is a custom of enshrining the spirits of ancestors in a Buddhist altar.)

Historically, 祀る was also a political act. Deifying a fallen enemy or a powerful leader was a way to appease their spirit (goryo) so they wouldn't cause natural disasters or plagues. This practice, known as Goryo Shinko, is why many famous figures like Sugawara no Michizane are 祀る in shrines across Japan today. When you see a small stone monument on the side of a road or a grand temple complex, the verb 祀る is likely the action that defines its purpose.

Modern Nuance: In modern secular contexts, the word can sometimes be used metaphorically to mean 'putting someone on a pedestal' or treating someone with an exaggerated level of respect, though this is less common than its religious usage.

Using 祀る correctly involves understanding its transitivity and its usual objects. It is a transitive verb (ta-doushi), meaning it takes a direct object followed by the particle を (wo). The object is typically a deity (kami), a spirit (rei), or a person being deified. The location where the enshrinement takes place is marked by the particle に (ni).

Basic Structure: [Location] に [Deity] を祀る。
Example: 神社に菅原道真を祀る。(Enshrine Sugawara no Michizane in a shrine.)

村人たちは古い杉の木を山の神として祀った。(The villagers enshrined the old cedar tree as the mountain god.)

In many cases, you will encounter 祀る in its passive form: 祀られている (matsurarete iru). This is because the focus is often on the state of the deity being present in the shrine rather than the specific person who put them there. For instance, when visiting a famous site, a guide might say, 'Here, the god of water is enshrined.'

Passive Usage: この島には海の神が祀られている。(The god of the sea is enshrined on this island.) This highlights the continuous presence of the deity.

亡くなった英雄は、国の守り神として祀られることになった。(The deceased hero came to be enshrined as the guardian deity of the nation.)

Another common pattern is [Person] を [Deity Name] として祀る (to enshrine [Person] as [Deity Name]). This is used for historical figures. For example, Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined as Tosho Daigongen. This pattern explains the transformation from human to divine through the act of 祀る.

Causative and Potential: While rare, the causative form 祀らせる might appear in historical novels where a ruler orders a deity to be enshrined to stop a curse. The potential form 祀れる is also used when discussing if a certain place is fit to house a god.

代々の王がこの場所で神を祀り続けてきた。(Successive kings have continued to worship the gods at this location.)

You will encounter 祀る in specific environments that touch upon Japan's spiritual life, history, and traditional arts. It is not a word you would typically use while ordering coffee, but it is essential for understanding Japanese culture deeply. Here are the primary places you will hear or see this word.

Shrine and Temple Visits: When visiting a Shinto shrine, the informational boards (called 'yuisho') describing the history of the shrine will almost always use 祀る to identify the 'Go-saishin' (enshrined deity). For example, 'This shrine enshrines the god of agriculture.'

看板には「五穀豊穣の神を祀る」と書いてある。(The sign says, 'Enshrines the god of bountiful harvests.')

In historical dramas (Jidaigeki) and documentaries, 祀る is used when discussing the founding of temples or the deification of fallen samurai. It carries a weight of authority and ancient tradition. In these contexts, it often appears in the form 合祀する (goushi suru), which means to enshrine multiple deities together in one place.

Anime and Manga (Fantasy/Supernatural): Series like 'Noragami,' 'Kamisama Kiss,' or 'Jujutsu Kaisen' frequently use 祀る. When a character becomes a god or when a cursed object is 'sealed' by being treated as a deity, this verb is used to explain the ritualistic mechanics of that world.

その古びた祠には、忘れ去られた神が祀られていた。(In that old small shrine, a forgotten god was enshrined.)

News reports regarding sensitive historical sites, such as Yasukuni Shrine, frequently use 祀る (or the noun form 祀り) when discussing the souls of those who died in war. In this context, the word becomes part of a national dialogue about memory, history, and religion. It is a word that carries significant emotional and political weight in modern Japan.

Local Folklore: Rural areas often have unique traditions where they 祀る specific animals (like foxes or cats) or even inanimate objects like needles or broken dolls to show gratitude and ensure they don't return as vengeful spirits.

この地域では、豊作を願ってキツネを祀っています。(In this region, they worship foxes in hopes of a good harvest.)

While 祀る seems straightforward, English speakers often trip over its cultural specificity and its similarity to other words. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid when learning and using this verb.

Confusing 祀る (Matsuru) with 祭る (Matsuru): Mistake: Using 祀る to mean 'to hold a festival.'
Explanation: While they sound identical, 祭る is for the celebration/event, while 祀る is for the act of enshrining the deity. If you say 'We 祀る a festival next week,' it sounds like you are turning the festival itself into a god.

× お祭りを祀る (Incorrect)
○ お祭りを行う / 神様を祀る (Correct)

Another common error is using 祀る for general respect toward living people. In English, we might say 'I worship my older brother,' but in Japanese, using 祀る for a living person is either extremely sarcastic or implies you are treating them like a dead spirit or a deity. Use 尊敬する (sonkei suru) or 崇める (agameru) instead.

Overuse in Secular Contexts: Mistake: Using 祀る for keeping a photo of a celebrity on a shelf.
Explanation: Unless you have literally created an altar and are performing rituals, this is too heavy. Use '飾る' (kazaru - to display) instead.

× 好きなアイドルの写真を祀っている (Too intense/weird)
○ 好きなアイドルの写真を飾っている (Natural)

A subtle mistake involves the particles. Learners sometimes use を (wo) for the location. Remember: You 祀る a god (Object), at a shrine (Location). Using the wrong particle can make it sound like you are enshrining the building itself as a god.

Kanji Confusion: The kanji for 祀 (matsuru) is often replaced by 祭 (matsuru) in common writing. While dictionaries distinguish them, in casual text, people often use 祭 for both. However, for academic or religious writing, 祀 is the correct, specific choice for enshrinement.

祠に小さな地蔵を祀る。(Enshrining a small Jizo statue in a wayside shrine - correct use of specific kanji.)

While 祀る is the specific term for enshrinement, several other Japanese words overlap with its meaning. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are focusing on the ritual, the feeling of respect, or the physical placement.

祀る vs. 祭る (Matsuru): These are homophones. 祀る is specifically for the religious enshrinement and ritual service to a deity. 祭る is broader, covering festivals, ceremonies, and celebrations. In modern Japanese, 祭る is often used as a general term, but 祀る remains the choice for formal religious contexts.

祀る vs. 崇める (Agameru): 崇める means 'to revere' or 'to look up to.' It describes the *internal feeling* of deep respect or adoration. You can 崇める a living teacher or a hero without enshrining them. 祀る is the *external, ritual act* of establishing them as a deity.

彼は師匠を神のように崇めている。(He reveres his master like a god.) - Here, 祀る would be incorrect because the master is likely still alive and not in a shrine.

祀る vs. 供養する (Kuyou suru): 供養する is a Buddhist term focused on holding a memorial service for the deceased to ensure their peace in the afterlife. 祀る is more about establishing a spirit as a permanent deity to be worshipped. You 供養 your pet after it dies; you 祀る a great ancestor as a family protector.

古い人形を供養する。(To hold a memorial service for old dolls.) - This implies letting go, whereas 祀る implies keeping and honoring.

祀る vs. 敬う (Uyamau): 敬う is the standard word for 'to respect' or 'to honor' parents, elders, or traditions. It lacks the religious 'deification' aspect of 祀る. You should 敬う your parents, but you don't 祀る them until they have passed away and become ancestral spirits.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The reading 'matsuru' is shared by both 祀る (enshrine) and 祭る (festival) because in ancient Japan, holding a festival and enshrining a god were considered the same act of 'serving' the divine.

Pronunciation Guide

UK mæˈtsuː.ruː

US mɑˈtsu.ru

Flat (Heiban) pitch accent. In standard Japanese, the pitch stays relatively level throughout the word.

Rhymes With

Utsuru (to move/reflect) Tsukuru (to make) Okuru (to send) Mamoru (to protect) Inoru (to pray) Toru (to take) Noru (to ride) Kuru (to come - though irregular)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'tsu' as 'su'. Make sure to include the 't' sound at the start.
Stressing the 'ru' too much like an English 'roo'. It should be short and light.
Confusing the pitch with 'matsuri' (festival), which has a different accent pattern in some dialects.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji 祀 is not in the Joyo list but is very common in religious contexts. Learners need to recognize it.

Writing 4/5

Writing 祀 requires attention to the 'altar' radical (示). It's rarely written by hand by learners but important for reading.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is easy, but using it in the correct cultural context is the challenge.

Listening 3/5

Can be easily confused with 祭る (festival) in listening.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

神 (kami) 神社 (jinja) 祭 (matsuri) 祈る (inoru) 仏 (hotoke)

Learn Next

崇める (agameru) 敬う (uyamau) 供養 (kuyou) 鎮める (shizumeru) 神格化 (shinkakuka)

Advanced

御霊信仰 (goryo shinko) 本地垂迹 (honji suijaku) 神道 (shinto) 祝詞 (norito)

Grammar to Know

Passive Form (～られる)

神様が神社に祀られています。

Causative Form (～させる)

王は家臣に新しい神を祀らせた。

State Resultative (～てある)

祠には小さな仏像が祀ってあります。

Noun Modification (Dictionary form + Noun)

先祖を祀る習慣は今も残っている。

Compound Verb (～上げる)

彼は周囲からリーダーに祀り上げられた。

Examples by Level

神社に神様を祀ります。

Enshrine a god in a shrine.

Basic [Place] ni [Object] wo [Verb] structure.

ここは有名な人を祀る場所です。

This is a place that enshrines a famous person.

Using 'matsuru' as an adjective to describe 'basho' (place).

山に神様が祀られています。

A god is enshrined in the mountain.

Passive form 'matsurarete iru' shows a state.

家族は家でおじいちゃんを祀っています。

The family is enshrining their grandfather at home.

Present continuous 'matsutte iru' for ongoing worship.

何を祀っていますか？

What is being enshrined?

Question form using 'nani' (what).

この木を祀りましょう。

Let's enshrine this tree.

Volitional form 'matsurimashou' (let's).

昔の人は太陽を祀りました。

Ancient people worshipped the sun.

Past tense 'matsurimashita'.

お寺でも神様を祀りますか？

Do they enshrine gods in temples too?

Question particle 'ka'.

この神社には、学問の神様が祀られているそうです。

I heard the god of learning is enshrined in this shrine.

Using 'sou desu' (I heard).

先祖を祀ることは大切です。

Enshrining ancestors is important.

Nominalizing the verb with 'koto' (the act of...).

村の入り口に、小さな石仏が祀ってあります。

A small stone Buddha is enshrined at the entrance of the village.

'-te aru' describes a state resulting from an action.

日本人は自然のものを神として祀ることがあります。

Japanese people sometimes worship natural things as gods.

'...koto ga aru' (sometimes happens).

新しい神社を建てて、新しい神様を祀りました。

They built a new shrine and enshrined a new god.

Connecting two actions with the 'te' form.

お正月には、多くの人が祀られている神様に挨拶に行きます。

At New Year's, many people go to greet the enshrined gods.

Relative clause 'matsurarete iru kamisama'.

この刀は、神社の宝物として祀られています。

This sword is enshrined as a treasure of the shrine.

'...toshite' (as a...).

誰を祀っている神社ですか？

Who is the person enshrined in this shrine?

Interrogative 'dare' (who).

菅原道真は、死後、天神様として祀られるようになりました。

After his death, Sugawara no Michizane came to be enshrined as Tenjin-sama.

'-youni naru' indicates a change in state.

この地域では、豊作を祈って稲荷神を祀っています。

In this area, they enshrine Inari (the fox god) to pray for a good harvest.

'...wo inotte' (praying for...).

戦国時代の武将たちが、守護神としてここに祀られたのです。

Warlords of the Sengoku period were enshrined here as guardian deities.

Explanatory 'no desu' ending.

仏壇には、亡くなった祖父母の位牌が祀られています。

On the Buddhist altar, the memorial tablets of the deceased grandparents are enshrined.

Specific vocabulary 'ihai' (memorial tablet).

その古い伝説によると、龍がこの湖の神として祀られたそうです。

According to that old legend, a dragon was enshrined as the god of this lake.

'...ni yoru to' (according to...).

心を込めて先祖を祀れば、きっと守ってくれるでしょう。

If you enshrine your ancestors with all your heart, they will surely protect you.

Conditional 'ba' form.

彼は、自分の成功は祀っている神様のおかげだと信じている。

He believes his success is thanks to the god he enshrines.

'...no okage da' (thanks to...).

地元の神様を大切に祀り続けることが、伝統を守ることにつながる。

Continuing to carefully enshrine local gods leads to protecting tradition.

Compound verb 'matsuri-tsuzukeru' (continue to enshrine).

非業の死を遂げた人物を、祟りを鎮めるために神として祀る例は少なくない。

There are many examples of enshrining people who died tragic deaths as gods to appease their curses.

Advanced vocabulary 'higou no shi' (tragic death) and 'tatari' (curse).

明治神宮には、明治天皇と昭憲皇太后が祀られています。

Meiji Jingu enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Formal historical reference.

この祠には、かつてこの地を救った名もなき英雄が祀られているという。

It is said that an anonymous hero who once saved this land is enshrined in this small shrine.

'...to iu' (it is said that...).

日本の神道では、万物に神が宿ると考え、あらゆるものを祀る対象とする。

In Japanese Shinto, it is believed that gods dwell in all things, making everything a potential object of worship.

Philosophical explanation using 'taishou to suru'.

複数の神を一つの社に祀ることを「合祀」と呼びます。

Enshrining multiple gods in one shrine is called 'goushi' (combined enshrinement).

Introducing technical terminology 'goushi'.

彼は、亡き妻の遺影を毎日仏壇に祀り、語りかけている。

He enshrines his late wife's portrait in the Buddhist altar every day and talks to her.

Emotional context of daily ritual.

古代の人々は、自然の猛威を恐れ、それを鎮めるために山や海を祀った。

Ancient people feared the fury of nature and worshipped mountains and seas to calm them.

Historical cause-and-effect structure.

この寺の奥の院には、秘仏が厳重に祀られており、一般公開はされていない。

In the inner sanctuary of this temple, a secret Buddha is strictly enshrined and is not open to the public.

Context of 'hibutsu' (secret Buddha).

靖国神社の合祀問題を巡っては、国内外で様々な議論がなされている。

The issue of combined enshrinement at Yasukuni Shrine is the subject of various debates both domestically and internationally.

Political and social context using '...wo megutte'.

記紀神話において、天照大御神は伊勢神宮に祀られる最高神とされる。

In the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki myths, Amaterasu Omikami is considered the supreme deity enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine.

Academic reference to 'Kiki' (Kojiki/Nihon Shoki).

土着の神々が仏教の伝来とともに、権現として祀られるようになった過程は興味深い。

The process by which indigenous gods came to be enshrined as 'gongen' (avatars) following the introduction of Buddhism is fascinating.

Complex historical analysis.

民俗学的な視点から見れば、道具を祀る「針供養」などは、物に魂が宿るという思想の現れである。

From a folkloric perspective, rituals like 'Hari-kuyou' (needle memorial), where tools are enshrined/honored, are manifestations of the belief that souls dwell in objects.

Linking 'matsuru' to 'minzokugaku' (folklore).

怨霊として恐れられた道真が、やがて学問の神として祀り上げられたのは、御霊信仰の典型例だ。

The fact that Michizane, who was feared as a vengeful spirit, was eventually elevated and enshrined as the god of learning is a typical example of Goryo Shinko.

Using 'matsuri-ageru' (to elevate/deify).

天皇の祖先を祀る「宮中祭祀」は、今もなお皇室の重要な公務の一つである。

The 'Kyuchu Saishi' (Imperial Court Rituals) to worship the ancestors of the Emperor remains one of the important official duties of the Imperial Family.

Specific noun form 'saishi' (ritual/worship).

この地に祀られている神の正体については、諸説あり、未だに解明されていない。

There are various theories regarding the true identity of the god enshrined in this location, and it has yet to be clarified.

Formal investigative tone.

かつての英雄が神として祀られることで、その功績は永劫に語り継がれることになる。

By having a former hero enshrined as a god, their achievements are passed down for eternity.

Abstract concept of 'eigo' (eternity).

国家の安寧を願う祭祀において、誰をどのように祀るかは、時の政権の正当性にも関わる重大事であった。

In rituals praying for the tranquility of the state, who was enshrined and how was a grave matter related to the legitimacy of the administration of the time.

Deep political-historical analysis.

折口信夫の『まれびと』論を紐解けば、異邦人を神として祀る日本独自の宗教観が見えてくる。

Unpacking Shinobu Origuchi's 'Marebito' theory reveals a uniquely Japanese religious view of enshrining outsiders as gods.

Reference to literary theory and 'Marebito'.

神仏習合の歴史を経て、本来別個であった神々が習合され、一つの社に祀られるに至った経緯は複雑極まりない。

The history of the syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, leading to originally separate deities being merged and enshrined in a single shrine, is exceedingly complex.

Use of '...ni itatta' (reached the point of).

死者を神格化し、永続的な崇拝の対象として祀る行為は、日本人の死生観を如実に物語っている。

The act of deifying the dead and enshrining them as objects of perpetual worship vividly tells the story of the Japanese view of life and death.

Philosophical observation using 'nyojitsu ni' (vividly).

「祀る」という言葉の根底には、見えない力への畏怖と、それとの共生を模索する知恵が息づいている。

At the root of the word 'matsuru' lies an awe of invisible forces and the wisdom of seeking coexistence with them.

Metaphorical and abstract exploration.

近代化の波の中で、忘れ去られ、祀る者のいなくなった祠が各地で朽ち果てている現状は寂寥感を禁じ得ない。

In the wave of modernization, the current situation where small shrines, forgotten and with no one left to worship them, are rotting away across the country, inevitably evokes a sense of loneliness.

Evocative, high-level prose.

特定の個人を神として祀り上げる政治的ダイナミズムは、古代から現代に至るまで形を変えつつ存続している。

The political dynamism of elevating a specific individual to the status of a god and enshrining them has survived from ancient times to the present, albeit in different forms.

Sociopolitical commentary.

「祀る」という営みは、単なる宗教儀礼を超え、共同体のアイデンティティを再確認するための装置として機能してきた。

The activity of 'matsuru' goes beyond mere religious ritual and has functioned as a device for reaffirming the identity of the community.

Sociological terminology '装置' (device/mechanism).

Common Collocations

神社に祀る

神として祀る

仏壇に祀る

合祀する

祀り上げる

大切に祀る

代々祀る

霊を祀る

祠に祀る

祀られている

Common Phrases

神を祀る

— To worship/enshrine a god. This is the most basic and common usage.

この山では古くから神を祀っている。

先祖を祀る

— To honor ancestors at an altar. Essential for discussing Japanese family traditions.

お盆には先祖を祀る準備をする。

英霊を祀る

— To enshrine the souls of those who died in war. Often used in historical or political contexts.

国の平和のために戦った英霊を祀る。

氏神を祀る

— To worship a local guardian deity. Refers to the god of a specific community.

村の鎮守の森で氏神を祀る。

位牌を祀る

— To enshrine a Buddhist memorial tablet. Specific to Japanese funeral and post-funeral rites.

新しい仏壇に位牌を祀った。

神格化して祀る

— To deify and enshrine. Used when a human is turned into a god.

その英雄は死後、神格化して祀られた。

丁重に祀る

— To enshrine with great courtesy and care. Implies a high level of ritual respect.

拾った不思議な石を丁重に祀った。

鏡を神体として祀る

— To enshrine a mirror as the physical representation of a god. Common in Shinto.

本殿の奥には鏡が神体として祀られている。

祟りを恐れて祀る

— To enshrine out of fear of a curse. A common historical motivation for building shrines.

人々は祟りを恐れて、その怨霊を神として祀った。

秘仏を祀る

— To enshrine a 'hidden Buddha' statue that is rarely shown.

この寺では三十三年に一度だけ開帳される秘仏を祀っている。

Often Confused With

祀る vs 祭る

Sounds the same. 祭る is for festivals; 祀る is for enshrinement.

祀る vs 奉る (tatematsuru)

Means to offer up. 祀る is the state of enshrining; 奉る is the act of offering.

祀る vs 崇める (agameru)

Internal respect vs. external ritual of 祀る.

Idioms & Expressions

"祀り上げる"

— To put someone on a pedestal, often to get them out of the way or give them a title without real power.

彼は名誉会長として祀り上げられた。

Metaphorical/Slightly Negative

"神棚に祀る"

— Literally to enshrine on a god-shelf; idiomatically to treat something with extreme care or to ignore it by putting it in a high place.

その高価なカメラは使わずに神棚に祀ってある。

Colloquial

"お祭り騒ぎ"

— Though from 'matsuri', it relates to the energy surrounding the act of 祀る. It means a huge fuss or celebration.

新製品の発売で店内はお祭り騒ぎだ。

Informal

"後の祭り"

— Too late (after the festival/worship). Implies regret for missing the proper time to act.

今さら後悔しても後の祭りだ。

Common

"神仏を祀る"

— To worship both Shinto and Buddhist deities, representing the syncretic nature of Japanese faith.

日本人の多くは生活の中で神仏を祀っている。

Neutral

"土着の神を祀る"

— To worship indigenous/local gods. Implies ancient, pre-organized religion roots.

この地方には土着の神を祀る古い風習が残っている。

Formal

"一族を祀る"

— To enshrine and maintain the spiritual lineage of a whole family/clan.

この神社は代々、あの一族を祀っている。

Formal

"怨霊を祀る"

— To enshrine a vengeful spirit to pacify it. A specific historical/mythological pattern.

非業の死を遂げた人を怨霊として祀る。

Historical

"八百万の神を祀る"

— To worship the 'eight million' (infinite) gods of nature.

日本人は古来より八百万の神を祀ってきた。

Cultural

"鎮守として祀る"

— To enshrine as a local guardian deity.

この森の奥には、村を災いから守る鎮守が祀られている。

Formal

Easily Confused

祀る vs 祭る

Identical pronunciation 'matsuru'.

祀る focuses on the ritual placement and service to a deity's spirit. 祭る focuses on the festive celebration and public events.

神様を祀る (Enshrine) vs お祭りを祭る (Celebrate - though '行う' is more common for festivals).

祀る vs 拝む

Both involve worship.

拝む (ogamu) is the physical act of bowing and praying. 祀る (matsuru) is the structural act of maintaining the deity's presence.

神様を拝む (Pray to god) vs 神様を祀る (Enshrine god).

祀る vs 供養する

Both involve the deceased.

供養 (kuyou) is a Buddhist term for soothing the dead so they can move on. 祀る (matsuru) is often Shinto-based, keeping the spirit present as a protector.

ペットを供養する (Memorialize pet) vs 先祖を祀る (Enshrine ancestors).

祀る vs 安置する

Both involve placing something sacred.

安置 (anchi) is used for physical objects like statues. 祀る (matsuru) is used for the invisible spirit itself.

仏像を安置する (Install statue) vs 霊を祀る (Enshrine spirit).

祀る vs 尊敬する

Both involve high regard.

尊敬 (sonkei) is secular respect for living people. 祀る (matsuru) is religious deification of spirits.

先生を尊敬する (Respect teacher) vs 英雄を祀る (Deify hero).

Sentence Patterns

[Place] に [God] を祀る。

山に神様を祀る。

[God] が [Place] に祀られている。

有名な神様がここに祀られている。

[Person] を [Title] として祀る。

家康を神として祀る。

[Object] を祀る習慣がある。

先祖を祀る習慣がある。

[Person] が死後、[Place] に祀られた。

彼は死後、この神社に祀られた。

[Reason] のために [Spirit] を祀る。

祟りを鎮めるために霊を祀る。

[Concept] を [Identity] と見なして祀る。

自然を神の化身と見なして祀る。

[Action] ことにより、[Subject] を祀り上げる。

儀式を行うことにより、彼を祀り上げる。

Word Family

Nouns

祀り (matsuri) - the act of enshrining

祭祀 (saishi) - religious rites/worship

合祀 (goushi) - collective enshrinement

Verbs

祀る (matsuru) - to enshrine

祀り上げる (matsuri-ageru) - to deify/elevate

神社 (jinja) - shrine

神様 (kamisama) - god

霊 (rei) - spirit

仏壇 (butsudan) - Buddhist altar

神棚 (kamidana) - Shinto altar

How to Use It

frequency

Common in cultural, religious, and historical contexts; rare in daily business or casual life.

Common Mistakes

お祭りを祀る → お祭りを行う / 神様を祀る
You don't 'enshrine' a festival; you 'hold' a festival. You enshrine the *god* for whom the festival is held.
先生を祀っています → 先生を尊敬しています
Unless your teacher is dead and you have built a shrine for them, 祀る is inappropriate. Use 尊敬 (respect).
神社を祀る → 神社に神様を祀る
You don't enshrine the shrine; you enshrine the god *inside* the shrine. Use 'ni' for the shrine and 'wo' for the god.
仏像を祀る → 仏像を安置する / 仏様を祀る
Technically, you 'install' (anchi) a physical statue, but you 'enshrine' (matsuru) the spirit of the Buddha. In casual use, this is okay, but 'anchi' is more precise for the object.
先祖を祀るる → 先祖を祀る
This is a simple conjugation error. 祀る is a U-verb (Godan), so the dictionary form is just 祀る.

Tips

Shrine Ettiquette

When you see a sign saying a certain god is 祀る, it's polite to bow slightly. It shows you acknowledge the spiritual 'resident' of the shrine.

Kanji Choice

If you are writing about a religious ritual, use 祀る. If you are writing about a school festival, use 祭る. Using the right kanji shows high literacy.

Mnemonic

Think of 'Matsuru' as 'Master-u'. You treat the spirit as a Master by enshrining it. This helps link the sound to the high level of respect.

Passive is Natural

In conversation, '祀られています' is much more common than '祀ります' because we usually talk about gods already being in shrines.

Particle Ni

Always remember the 'Ni' for the location. It's like saying 'The god is *at* the shrine.' [Shrine] ni [God] wo matsuru.

Related Nouns

Learning 'Saishi' (祭祀) along with 'matsuru' will help you understand formal news reports about shrine ceremonies.

Radical Check

The left part of 祀 is 示, which looks like a small altar. This is a huge clue to its meaning. Always look for this radical in religious words.

Context Clues

If you hear 'matsuru' and then 'kamisama', it's almost certainly 祀る. If you hear 'matsuru' and 'yatai' (food stalls), it's 祭る.

Respectful Prefixes

When talking about what is 祀る, it's common to add 'o-' or '-sama' to the deity's name, like 'O-Inari-sama ga matsurarete iru'.

Deification

Remember that in Japan, humans can become gods. This is why 祀る is used for historical figures like emperors or scholars.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'MAT' and 'SURU'. You lay out a MAT to serve (SURU) the gods. Matsuru!

Visual Association

Imagine a small wooden shrine (Hokora) in a forest with a spirit living inside. The act of placing that spirit there is 'matsuru'.

Word Web

Gods Shrines Ancestors Ritual Altar Spirit Respect Tradition

Challenge

Try to find three famous shrines in Japan and look up which deity or person is 'matsuru-ed' there. Write it down as: [Name] ga matsurarete iru.

Word Origin

The word 'matsuru' comes from the Old Japanese 'matasuru,' which is related to 'matsu' (to wait/to serve). It originally meant to wait upon a superior or a deity, attending to their needs.

Original meaning: To serve or attend to a person of high rank or a spiritual being.

Japonic / Old Japanese.

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing shrines like Yasukuni, as the act of 祀る (enshrining) specific individuals there is a point of significant international political tension.

English speakers often translate this as 'to worship,' but 'worship' in English often implies a church setting. 'Enshrine' is a better technical translation for 祀る.

Yasukuni Shrine: A controversial site where war dead are 'matsuru-ed'. Kitano Tenmangu: Where Sugawara no Michizane is 'matsuru-ed' as the god of exams. Ise Jingu: Where the sun goddess Amaterasu is 'matsuru-ed'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Sightseeing at Shrines

ここは誰を祀っていますか？
有名な神様が祀られている神社です。
祀られている神様の名前は何ですか？
歴史的な人物が祀られています。

Family Traditions

仏壇に先祖を祀る。
家で神様を祀っていますか？
位牌を大切に祀ってください。
代々祀り続けている神棚です。

History Class

徳川家康は東照大権現として祀られた。
非業の死を遂げた人を祀る理由。
合祀されることになった背景。
古代の祭祀の形。

Anime/Folklore

忘れられた神が祀られている祠。
呪いの品を神として祀る。
山の神を祀る儀式。
神格化されて祀られた英雄。

Metaphorical Devotion

彼は彼女を神のように祀り上げている。
古い道具を祀るような気持ちで大切にする。
名誉職に祀り上げられる。
アイドルを祀る祭壇。

Conversation Starters

"日本の神社で、一番印象に残っている祀られている神様は誰ですか？"

"あなたの国では、先祖を祀るような習慣がありますか？"

"なぜ日本人は、人間を神として祀ることがあるのだと思いますか？"

"もし自分が神社を建てるなら、どんな神様を祀りたいですか？"

"「祀る」と「祭る」の違いについて、どう思いますか？"

Journal Prompts

今日訪れた神社に、どんな神様が祀られていたか詳しく書いてみましょう。

「祀る」という言葉から、日本の宗教観について感じたことを述べてください。

あなたが大切にしているものを「祀る」としたら、それは何ですか？その理由も書いてください。

歴史上の人物が神として祀られることの、良い点と悪い点を考えてみましょう。

自分の家族の伝統（先祖を祀るなど）について、日本語で説明してください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, using 祀る for a living person is very strange and implies they are already a dead spirit or a god. Use 尊敬する (sonkei suru) or 大切にする (taisetsu ni suru) instead. You only 祀る them after they have passed away and become ancestors.

They are homophones. 祀る (matsuru) is for enshrining a god or spirit in a shrine/altar. 祭る (matsuru) is for holding a festival or celebration. In modern Japanese, 祭 is more common, but 祀 is specific to religious rites.

While it is strongly associated with Shinto, it is also used in Japanese Buddhism for enshrining ancestors in a 'butsudan' (Buddhist altar) or for certain protector deities in temples.

You can say '祀られている神様' (matsurarete iru kamisama) or use the formal noun '祭神' (saishin).

Yes, in Japanese folklore, animals like foxes (Inari), cats, or even insects can be 祀る if they are believed to have a spiritual essence or if people want to appease their spirits.

Use 'を' for the god/spirit being enshrined and 'に' for the location (shrine/altar). Example: 神社(に)神(を)祀る。

It's not used in daily chores, but you will see it often in travel, history, anime, and during religious holidays like O-bon or New Year.

Literally 'to enshrine up.' Metaphorically, it means to put someone in a high position (like a chairman) just to give them honor while taking away their actual power.

Yes, things like old needles, dolls, or even mountains and rocks are 祀る in Japan because of the belief that spirits dwell in all things (animism).

It is pronounced 'ma-tsu-ru' with a flat pitch. The 'tsu' is like the end of 'cats'.