Translation and Meaning of: 祭 - matsuri

The word 「祭」 (matsuri) refers to traditional festivals or celebrations in Japan. Etymologically, the word is composed of the kanji 「祭」, which by itself symbolizes offerings made to gods or ancestors. This kanji is formed by the radicals 示 (to indicate, to show) and 祀 (to offer prayers), reflecting the spiritual and religious origins of the practices associated with the festivals. The reading "matsuri" is derived from the verb 祀る (matsuru), which means to worship or celebrate deities. It would be interesting to note the cultural and religious connections that these events maintain through the centuries.

The 「祭」 are fundamental events in Japanese culture, characterized by colorful celebrations, parades, and a variety of traditional activities. These festivals can be related to various occasions, from harvest celebrations (such as the famous 秋祭り, aki matsuri, autumn festival) to unique historical or legendary events specific to certain locations. For example, the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto is one of the most well-known festivals and has roots dating back to the 9th century, originally originating as a ceremony to appease the gods during an epidemic.

The diversity of a 「祭」 is also evidenced by the type of activities that take place during the event. It is common:

• Parades with mikoshi (portable shrines) that symbolize movable sanctuaries.
• Presentations of traditional dances and music.
• Food stalls with typical delights and festive games.
• Fireworks, especially at summer festivals.

In addition to religious and spiritual aspects, the 「祭」 are moments of social and community integration, allowing people of all ages to enjoy moments of leisure and sharing. By experiencing a 「祭」, both locals and visitors undergo a deep connection with Japan's rich cultural tapestry and history. This tradition remains alive and evolves, maintaining itself as a vibrant part of Japanese cultural identity and a point of great tourist interest.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 祭り (まつり) - Traditional Japanese festival or celebration.
• お祭り (おまつり) - Honorific form of "matsuri" refers to festivals held at temples and shrines.
• お祭り騒ぎ (おまつりさわぎ) - Animated party or excitement around a festival.
• フェスティバル (フェスティバル) - Festival, a more Western term, used to refer to events similar to festivals.

祭

Romaji: matsuri
Kana: まつり
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: festival; party

Meaning in English: festival;feast

Definition: A religious or cultural event or festival that takes place on a specific day or time.

Example Sentences - (祭) matsuri

See below some example sentences:

人々が祭りの会場に群がる。

Hitobito ga matsuri no kaijou ni muragaru

People gather at the party venue.

People gather to the festival site.

• 人々 - Pessoas
• が - Subject particle
• 祭り - Festival
• の - Possessive particle
• 会場 - Event location
• に - Destination particle
• 群がる - Crowding, gathering in large numbers

神を祭る。

Kami wo matsuru

Celebrate the gods.

Encourage God.

• 神 (kami) - God or Deity
• を (wo) - Direct object particle
• 祭る (matsuru) - Worship or celebrate

meaning - To worship or celebrate a god or deity.

盛大な祭りが開催されました。

Seidai na matsuri ga kaisai sa remashita

A great festival was held.

A great festival was held.

• 盛大な - magnificent
• 祭り - festival
• が - subject particle
• 開催 - realization
• されました - was carried out

「この祭壇はとても美しいです」

Kono saidan wa totemo utsukushii desu

This altar is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 祭壇 - noun meaning "altar"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this altar"
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この街は毎年夏祭りで賑わう。

Kono machi wa maitoshi natsu matsuri de nigiwau

This city gets excited every year with the summer festival.

This city is crowded every year in the summer festival.

• この街 - this city
• は - Topic particle
• 毎年 - Every year
• 夏祭り - summer festival
• で - Location particle
• 賑わう - be excited, busy

浴衣を着て祭りに行きたいです。

Yukata o kite matsuri ni ikitai desu

I want to wear a Yukata and go to a festival.

I want to go to the festival using a Yukata.

• 浴衣 - Traditional Japanese clothing worn at festivals and special occasions
• を - object particle
• 着て - "vestindo"
• 祭り - festival
• に - target particle
• 行きたい - verb "to want to go" in present
• です - Sentence-ending particle

祭りに行きたいです。

Matsuri ni ikitai desu

I want to go to the festival.

I want to go to the festival.

• 祭り - festival
• に - particle indicating the target of an action
• 行き - go
• たい - querer
• です - copula polida

祭日は国民の休日です。

Saijitsu wa kokumin no kyūjitsu desu

Holidays are days of rest for citizens.

Holidays are national holidays.

• 祭日 - feriado
• は - Topic marking particle
• 国民 - povo/nacional
• の - Possession particle
• 休日 - Day off
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present