Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Visit" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "visit", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
伺う
うかがう (ukagau)
N4 / 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 伺う and 参拝.
In Japanese, 伺う (うかがう (ukagau)) is typically associated with "1. to visit (humble) 2. to ask, to hear (humble)" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents 謙譲語（けんじょうご）。「行く」「訪ねる」または「聞く」の謙譲語です。相手への敬意を表す際に使います。Humble form of 行く.
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 "伺う"
明日、先生のお宅に伺います。
I will visit my 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、先生のお宅に伺います。" (Meaning: "I will visit my teacher's house tomorrow.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "伺う" fits here because it means "1. to visit (humble) 2. to ask, to hear (humble)" in the context of: "I will visit my teacher's house tomorrow.". "参拝" represents "visit a shrine/temple (to worship/pay respects)".