Overview
お寺 (o-tera) refers to a Buddhist temple in Japan, a sacred place of worship, spiritual practice, and cultural heritage. These temples are central to Japanese Buddhism, a religion that arrived in Japan from China and Korea in the 6th century. Each temple typically has a main hall (本堂, hondō) where the principal image of a Buddha or Bodhisattva is enshrined, as well as various other structures like a pagoda (塔, tō), a bell tower (鐘楼, shōrō), and a gate (門, mon). Many temples also have beautifully manicured gardens, which are often designed to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, and are sometimes symbolic representations of Buddhist cosmology. Beyond their religious function, temples have played a significant role in Japanese history, art, and society. They often served as centers of learning, housing libraries and schools, and were patrons of various arts and crafts. Historically, some temples also held considerable political power. Today, while still active places of worship, many temples are also popular tourist destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural and spiritual traditions. Visitors can often participate in activities such as zazen (seated meditation), shakyo (sutra copying), or simply enjoy the serene atmosphere and admire the architecture and artwork. The etiquette for visiting a temple typically involves bowing before entering the gate, purifying oneself at the chozuya (water pavilion) by washing hands and rinsing the mouth, and offering a small donation before praying. Photography is often permitted, but it's important to be respectful and mindful of worshippers.
例句
お寺はとても静かな場所です。
Describing a temple's atmosphereTemples are very quiet places.
週末にお寺を訪れました。
Talking about visiting a templeI visited a temple on the weekend.
日本にはたくさんのお寺があります。
General statement about temples in JapanThere are many temples in Japan.
お寺で瞑想をしました。
Describing an activity at a templeI meditated at the temple.
そのお寺は歴史が長いです。
Describing a temple's historyThat temple has a long history.
常见搭配
容易混淆的词
Shrine (Shinto place of worship), not a Buddhist temple.
Church (Christian place of worship), not a Buddhist temple.
语法模式
如何使用
使用说明
'お寺' is the standard and polite term for a Buddhist temple in Japanese. While '寺' (tera) can also be used, the honorific 'お' is often added, especially in general conversation or when showing respect. It is distinct from '神社' (jinja), which refers to a Shinto shrine, the place of worship for Japan's indigenous Shinto religion. When referring to specific temples, their names are usually followed by '寺' or '院' (in), another character for temple, such as '金閣寺' (Kinkaku-ji) or '清水寺' (Kiyomizu-dera). The term can be used in sentences like 'お寺に行きます' (o-tera ni ikimasu - I am going to the temple) or 'これは有名なお寺です' (kore wa yūmei na o-tera desu - This is a famous temple).
常见错误
Some learners might confuse お寺 (o-tera) with 神社 (jinja), which is a Shinto shrine. While both are religious places, they have different architectural styles, rituals, and deities. お寺 is Buddhist, and 神社 is Shinto.
词源
お (o, honorific prefix) + 寺 (tera, temple). The word 'tera' has an ancient origin, believed to have come from the Sanskrit word ' विहार' (vihāra), meaning a dwelling or monastery for Buddhist monks. It was adopted into Japanese likely through Chinese influences, specifically from words like '寺' (sì) which also denotes a Buddhist temple in Chinese. The use of the honorific prefix 'お' (o) before 'tera' is common in modern Japanese to show respect and politeness, making 'otera' the more frequently used form than just 'tera' on its own when referring to a Buddhist temple in general conversation. This practice of adding honorifics reflects a long-standing cultural tradition in Japan of showing reverence towards religious institutions and practices. The term has been in use in Japan for well over a thousand years, evolving with the language.
文化背景
The word 'お寺' (o-tera) refers to a Buddhist temple in Japan, a place of worship, spiritual practice, and cultural significance. Temples have played a central role in Japanese society for centuries, influencing art, architecture, literature, and philosophy. They often house important historical artifacts, beautiful gardens, and ancient statues. Many temples offer various activities like zazen (meditation), sutra copying, and prayer services. They are also popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors with their serene atmosphere and rich history. Family temples are common, where ancestral graves are maintained and memorial services are held. The 'お' (o) prefix is an honorific, indicating respect and politeness, reflecting the revered status of temples in Japanese culture.
记忆技巧
The shape of the kanji 寺 (tera) looks a bit like a temple building with a roof on top. You can imagine the 't' sound in 'tera' as standing for 'temple'.
常见问题
4 个问题Otera, or Buddhist temples, hold profound cultural and historical significance in Japan. They serve as centers for spiritual practice, meditation, and the study of Buddhist teachings. Beyond their religious role, temples are often cherished for their exquisite architecture, serene gardens, and priceless art and artifacts. Many temples are also associated with important historical events or figures, making them living museums that connect visitors to Japan's rich past. They frequently host festivals, ceremonies, and cultural events, fostering a sense of community and preserving traditional arts.
A typical Japanese Otera features several distinct architectural elements. The main hall (Hondō) is where the principal image of Buddha is enshrined. A pagoda (Tō) often stands tall, symbolizing the Buddha's relics. The temple gate (Mon) marks the entrance and often houses guardian deities. You'll also find a bell tower (Shōrō) with a large bronze bell, and often a tranquil garden for contemplation. Many temples also have smaller sub-temples, administrative buildings, and cemeteries within their grounds, creating a complex and spiritual environment.
When visiting an Otera, it's customary to show respect and observe certain etiquette. Visitors typically bow before entering the main gate and again before the main hall. It's common to purify oneself by washing hands and rinsing the mouth at the water basin (Chōzuya). Inside the main hall, visitors might offer a small coin, light incense, and offer a prayer. Photography is often permitted, but always be mindful of signage and avoid disturbing worshippers. Dressing modestly is also appreciated, reflecting the sacred nature of the place.
Japan boasts countless stunning Otera, each with its unique charm and history. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto is renowned for its dazzling gold leaf exterior. Tōdai-ji in Nara houses a colossal bronze Buddha statue and is one of the world's largest wooden buildings. Sensō-ji in Tokyo is the city's oldest temple, with a vibrant Nakamise-dori market leading up to it. Hasedera Temple, also in Nara, is famous for its beautiful gardens and eleven-faced Kannon statue. These are just a few examples, offering a glimpse into the diverse beauty and spiritual depth of Japan's temples.
自我测试
日本の美しい___を訪れたい。
京都には多くの古い___があります。
週末に家族と近くの___にお参りに行きました。
得分： /3
例句
5 / 5お寺はとても静かな場所です。
Temples are very quiet places.
週末にお寺を訪れました。
I visited a temple on the weekend.
日本にはたくさんのお寺があります。
There are many temples in Japan.
お寺で瞑想をしました。
I meditated at the temple.
そのお寺は歴史が長いです。
That temple has a long history.
相关内容
更多society词汇
活動
B1A thing that a person or group does or has done; the state of being active.
実態
B1The actual condition or reality of a situation, especially as opposed to how it is supposed to be or how it appears.
行政
B1Administration or government.
アメリカ
A1America.
権威
B1The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, or a person with expert knowledge. Frequently used in IELTS when discussing leadership or academic expertise.
恩恵
B1A benefit or advantage derived from something. Used in IELTS for discussing the pros of technology or nature.
偏向
B2A bias, lean, or inclination toward a specific direction or ideology, often used to describe media or political views.
候補者
B2A person who is being considered for a position, an award, or an office; a candidate.
慈善
B2Help or money given to those in need; an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
育児
B2The process of caring for and raising a child from birth until they are independent.
