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
崇拝
すうはい (sūhai)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "worship" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 拝む and 崇拝.
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, 崇拝 (すうはい (sūhai)) maps to "worship, adoration, reverence" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to deep reverence and adoration for a deity, sacred object, or sometimes a highly admired person. 神や仏、あるいは特定の人物などを深く敬い、尊ぶことを指します。. 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 "崇拝"
古代の人々は太陽を神として崇拝していた。
Ancient people worshipped the sun as a god.
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.". "崇拝" represents "worship, adoration, reverence".