礼拝堂

• Reading: れいはいどう
• Romaji: reihaidou
• Kanji breakdown: 礼 (rei) — courtesy, ritual; 拝 (hai) — worship, pray; 堂 (dou) — hall, temple, building
• Pronunciation: /ɾeː.hai.doː/

Meaning

Chapel; place of worship. A building or room dedicated to religious services and prayer.

A noun referring to a chapel or worship hall, most commonly associated with Christian places of worship. Distinct from 教会 (kyoukai, church) in that 礼拝堂 emphasises the physical space used for worship rather than the religious community or institution. Often found in universities, hospitals, and historical sites. Many famous 礼拝堂 in Japan are popular tourist destinations, particularly in Nagasaki and other areas with historical Christian presence.

Examples

1. 大学の敷地内に小さな礼拝堂がある。 There is a small chapel on the university grounds.
2. その礼拝堂のステンドグラスは美しいことで有名だ。 The stained glass in that chapel is famous for its beauty.
3. 結婚式を礼拝堂で挙げるカップルが増えている。 More and more couples are holding their weddings in chapels.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, architecture, tourism, weddings

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 礼拝 (reihai, worship) + 堂 (dou, hall/building). Literally 'a hall for worship' — a dedicated space where religious services take place.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal