Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Worship" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "worship", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
拝む
おがむ (ogamu)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
崇める
あがめる (agameru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worship" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拝む and 崇める.
In Japanese, 拝む (おがむ (ogamu)) is typically associated with "to worship, to pray, to bow with hands together" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Primarily means to show reverence to a deity or sacred object, often by bowing with hands pressed together. It can also mean to earnestly request, or to view something precious/rare with great respect..
On the other hand, 崇める (あがめる (agameru)) maps to "worship; revere; deify; exalt; hold in high regard" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to worshiping, revering, deifying, or exalting someone or something as a god or supreme existence. Often used as 神と崇める. A literal translation of "worship" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "拝む"
毎日、お寺で仏様を拝んでいます。
I pray to Buddha at the temple every day.
Bilingual Context for "崇める"
古代の人々は、太陽や巨大な山を神として_______、豊かな収穫を祈りました。
Ancient people worshiped the sun and giant mountains as gods, praying for a bountiful harvest.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "毎日、お寺で仏様を拝んでいます。" (Meaning: "I pray to Buddha at the temple every day.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "拝む" fits here because it means "to worship, to pray, to bow with hands together" in the context of: "I pray to Buddha at the temple every day.". "崇める" represents "worship; revere; deify; exalt; hold in high regard".