Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Visit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "visit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
うかがう
うかがう (ukagau)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
参拝
さんぱい (sanpai)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "visit" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between うかがう and 参拝.
In Japanese, うかがう (うかがう (ukagau)) is typically associated with "to visit, to ask, to hear (humble)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 謙譲語.
On the other hand, 参拝 (さんぱい (sanpai)) maps to "visit a shrine/temple (to worship/pay respects)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents The act of visiting a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple specifically to offer prayers, show respect, or make wishes. Often done during New Year's or special events. お寺や神社を訪れて、神様や仏様に感謝したり、お願い事をしたりすることです。. A literal translation of "visit" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "うかがう"
明日、先生のお宅にうかがいます。
I will visit the teacher's house tomorrow.
Bilingual Context for "参拝"
お正月には多くの人が神社へ参拝に行きます。
Many people go to visit a shrine (to worship) during the New Year.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "明日、先生のお宅にうかがいます。" (Meaning: "I will visit the teacher's house tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "うかがう" fits here because it means "to visit, to ask, to hear (humble)" in the context of: "I will visit the teacher's house tomorrow.". "参拝" represents "visit a shrine/temple (to worship/pay respects)".