参拝

• Reading: さんぱい
• Romaji: sanpai
• Kanji breakdown: 参 (san) — to visit respectfully; 拝 (hai) — to bow, worship
• Pronunciation: /sa.ɴ.pa.i/

Meaning

Worship; visiting a shrine or temple to pay respects. A formal act of prayer or veneration at a religious site.

A noun and suru-verb (参拝する) describing the act of visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple to pray or offer respects. It implies a reverential attitude. Political figures visiting Yasukuni Shrine (靖国神社参拝) draw particular controversy due to its symbolic associations. The act follows established ritual etiquette.

Examples

1. 初詣で地元の神社を参拝するのが毎年の習慣だ。 Visiting the local shrine for the first shrine visit of the new year is an annual tradition.
2. 閣僚による靖国神社参拝は外交問題に発展することがある。 Cabinet ministers' visits to Yasukuni Shrine can develop into diplomatic issues.
3. 参拝の作法として、手水で手を清めてから拝殿へ向かう。 As part of worship etiquette, one purifies the hands at the water basin before heading to the main hall.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, Shinto, Buddhism, politics, cultural tradition

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From 参 (san) meaning 'to visit respectfully' and 拝 (hai) meaning 'to bow in worship.' Together they describe a formal, reverent visit to a sacred place.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: All classes