Translation and Meaning of: お参り - omairi

If you are studying Japanese or have an interest in Japan's culture, you may have come across the word お参り (おまいり, omairi). This expression carries a deep meaning and is directly linked to the religious traditions and customs of the country. In this article, we will explore what お参り means, its origin, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that help to better understand its cultural context. If you want to learn Japanese in a practical way, Suki Nihongo is the best dictionary to deepen your knowledge.

What does お参り mean?

The word お参り (omairi) is used to describe the act of visiting a temple or shrine to pray, pay respect to the gods, or simply absorb the sacred atmosphere of the place. Unlike a simple tourist visit, お参り implies a spiritual or ritualistic intention. It is common to see Japanese people doing お参り on specific dates, such as New Year (初詣 - hatsumōde) or during local festivals.

It's important to note that お参り is not limited to Shintoism or Buddhism. The word can be applied in various religious contexts, as long as there is a visit with a devotional purpose. Whether it's to wish for good luck in studies, health, or success in business, this practice remains very relevant in modern Japanese society.

Origin and cultural use of お参り

The origin of お参り (omairi) is deeply connected to Shinto, the native religion of Japan. The honorific prefix お (o) indicates that it is a respectful action, while 参り (mairi) comes from the verb 参る (mairu), which means "to visit" in a formal or religious context. This combination reinforces the idea that the visit is not casual, but rather an act of reverence.

In Japan, it is common for entire families to make お参り together, especially on occasions like Setsubun or Shichi-Go-San, festivals that mark important moments in children's lives. Additionally, many young people do お参り before important exams, such as university entrance exams, seeking the blessing of the gods for good performance.

How to memorize and use お参り in daily life

An effective way to reinforce the meaning of お参り is to associate it with images of famous shrines, such as Fushimi Inari or Meiji Jingū. These locations are often depicted in animes and films, which helps to create a visual connection with the word. Another tip is to practice sentences like "今度、神社にお参りに行きます" (This time, I will visit a shrine), which exemplify its everyday use.

If you have ever had the opportunity to travel to Japan, you must have noticed that お参り is an activity present in all regions. From the large temples of Kyoto to the small neighborhood shrines, the practice maintains its cultural significance. Therefore, understanding this term not only enriches your vocabulary but also your understanding of Japanese values.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• お祈り (oinori) - The act of praying; prayer in general.
• 礼拝 (reihai) - Worship; religious ceremony of praise.
• 祈願 (kigan) - Prayer or wish made to a deity; usually to express a specific wish.
• 祈祷 (kitō) - Formal or ritual prayer with the intention of asking for something divine; often made by a religious representative.
• 祈願する (kigan suru) - Act of making a request or prayer to a deity.
• 祈る (inoru) - The act of praying in general; it can be informal or formal.
• お祈りする (oinori suru) - To perform the act of praying; a respectful way to refer to prayers.
• お参りする (omairi suru) - Visit a temple or sanctuary to pray or pay homage.
• 礼拝する (reihai suru) - Hold a worship ceremony; an act of praise within a religious context.
• 祈願する (kigan suru) - Make a request or wish to a deity; emphasizes the specific desire.
• 祈祷する (kitō suru) - To perform a formal or ritualized prayer, usually by a priest or representative.