Translation and Meaning of: 寺 - tera
The Japanese word 寺[てら] is a term that sparks curiosity both for its simplicity and its cultural significance. If you are studying Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding the meaning and usage of this word can open doors to a better understanding of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore everything from the basics, such as its translation and writing, to deeper aspects, such as its historical and cultural context.
Furthermore, we will see how this word is perceived in Japan today, its frequency of use, and even tips for memorizing it efficiently. If you have already used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you know how important it is to have clear and precise information about Japanese terms. Here, we will ensure that every detail about 寺[てら] is useful for your learning.
Meaning and translation of 寺[てら]
The word 寺[てら] is translated as "temple." In Japan, it specifically refers to Buddhist temples, which are places of religious practice and contemplation. Unlike 神社[じんじゃ], which are Shinto shrines, 寺 are associated with Buddhism and often house statues of Buddha, meditation rooms, and cemeteries.
It is interesting to note that although the kanji 寺 can appear in other contexts, its most common reading is てら when used alone. In compounds, such as 寺院[じいん] (temple complex), the pronunciation changes. This type of variation is common in Japanese and is worth paying attention to in order to avoid confusion.
Origin and history of the term
The origin of the word 寺 dates back to the Asuka period (538-710 AD), when Buddhism was introduced to Japan from China and Korea. The kanji itself has Chinese roots and originally meant "government institution" before it became associated with religious sites. Over time, its use became established to refer to Buddhist temples in Japan.
It is worth noting that many of the oldest temples in the country, such as Tōdai-ji in Nara or Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, carry the suffix -寺[でら] in their names. This ending is a valuable clue for identifying Buddhist temples when traveling in Japan. The presence of these sites in Japanese history and culture is so significant that many have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Everyday use and memorization tips
In daily life, the Japanese directly use 寺[てら] to refer to Buddhist temples. Phrases like "あの寺は有名です" (That temple is famous) are common in conversations about tourism or history. The word also appears in expressions like 寺子屋[てらこや], which were schools run by temples during the Edo period.
To memorize 寺[てら], a useful tip is to associate the kanji with its visual structure. The upper radical 寸 represents a hand, while the lower part suggests land - together, they can evoke the image of a sacred place. Another strategy is to create flashcards with images of famous temples, linking the word to something concrete. The app Suki Nihongo, for example, offers such resources to facilitate learning.
Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary with related words:
Synonyms and similar words
- お寺 (tera) - Templo budista
- てら (tera) - temple
- てんじん (tenjin) - God of learning
- てんじんさん (tenjin-san) - Honorable for Tenjin
- てんじんさま (tenjin-sama) - This is a respectful title for Tenjin
- みたま (mitama) - Spirit or soul of an ancestor
- みたまや (mitamaya) - Temple or sanctuary of the spirits
- みたまじん (mitamajin) - Deity related to spirits
- みたまさん (mitama-san) - Honorable for a spirit
- みたまさま (mitama-sama) - Respectful title for a spirit
- みたまのかみ (mitama no kami) - God of spirits
- みたまのおかみ (mitama no okami) - Goddess of spirits
- みたまのおや (mitama no oya) - Ancestral spirit
- みたまのかみさま (mitama no kamisama) - Respectful God of the spirits
- みたまのおかみさま (mitama no okamisama) - Respectful goddess of spirits
- みたまのおやさま (mitama no oyasama) - Respectful father of the spirits
Romaji: tera
Kana: てら
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4
Translation / Meaning: temple
Meaning in English: temple
Definition: A building used for religious ceremonies such as Buddhism and Shintoism.
Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences
How to Write in Japanese - (寺) tera
See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (寺) tera:
Example Sentences - (寺) tera
See below some example sentences:
Bōsan wa otera de hataraite imasu
The monk works in the temple.
The monk works in a temple.
- 坊さん - means "monk" in Japanese
- は - Topic particle
- お寺 - means "temple" in Japanese
- で - Location particle
- 働いています - means "work" in Japanese, conjugated in the present continuous tense
Chūfuku ni aru tera wa totemo utsukushii desu
The temple in the hill is very beautiful.
- 中腹にある - located on the slope
- 寺 - temple
- は - Topic particle
- とても - very
- 美しい - beautiful
- です - Verb to be/estar in the present
Souryo wa zenji de shugyou shiteimasu
Monks are training at Zenji Temple.
- 僧侶 - buddhist priest
- は - Topic particle
- 禅寺 - zen temple
- で - Location particle
- 修行 - religious practice, training
- しています - verb "to do" in the present continuous tense
Furui tera wa utsukushii desu
Old temples are beautiful.
The old temple is beautiful.
- 古い - old
- 寺 - temple
- は - Topic particle
- 美しい - beautiful
- です - verb ser/estar (polite)
tera wa shizuka na basho desu
The temple is a quiet place.
- 寺 - temple
- は - Topic particle
- 静かな - quiet
- 場所 - Place
- です - Verb "to be" in the present
Other Words of this Type: noun
See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun
