礼拝

• Reading: れいはい
• Romaji: reihai
• Kanji breakdown: 礼 (rei) — courtesy, ritual, bow; 拝 (hai) — worship, pray, humbly receive
• Pronunciation: /ɾeː.hai/

Meaning

Worship; religious service. Especially used for Christian church services and prayer.

A noun and suru-verb referring to religious worship or a formal worship service. Most commonly associated with Christian church services in modern Japanese, though it can also refer to worship in other religions. The reading れいはい is standard for Christian contexts, while らいはい is used in Buddhist contexts. Often appears in compounds like 礼拝堂 (reihaidou, chapel) and 日曜礼拝 (nichiyou reihai, Sunday service). Can be used as a verb with する to mean 'to worship' or 'to attend a service.'

Examples

1. 毎週日曜日に教会で礼拝に出席している。 I attend church services every Sunday.
2. 礼拝の後、信者たちが集まって食事をした。 After the service, the congregation gathered for a meal.
3. クリスマスの特別礼拝には多くの人が訪れた。 Many people visited the special Christmas service.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, church, Christianity, ceremonies

Tone: reverent

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 礼 (rei, courtesy/ritual/bow) + 拝 (hai, worship/pray). Literally 'a ritual of reverent prayer' — combining the concepts of proper ceremony with devoted worship.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal