お守(まも)り

おまもり
noun
amulet; charm; talisman
1. amulet; charm; talisman
A protective charm or amulet, typically purchased at Shinto shrines or Buddhist temples in Japan. Believed to bring good luck, protection, or blessings in specific areas.
神社(じんじゃ)で交通安全(こうつうあんぜん)のお守(まも)りを買(か)った。
I bought a traffic safety amulet at the shrine.
受験(じゅけん)の合格(ごうかく)を祈(いの)ってお守(まも)りを持(も)っている。
I carry an amulet to pray for success in my exams.
お守(まも)りは毎年(まいとし)新(あたら)しいものに替(か)えた方(ほう)がいい。
It's best to replace your amulet with a new one every year.

TYPES OF お守(まも)り:

  • 交通安全(こうつうあんぜん): traffic safety
  • 学業成就(がくぎょうじょうじゅ): academic success
  • 合格祈願(ごうかくきがん): passing exams
  • 縁結(えんむす)び: finding a romantic partner
  • 健康(けんこう): health
  • 安産(あんざん): safe childbirth

CULTURAL PRACTICES:

  • お守(まも)り should be returned to the shrine/temple after one year
  • Opening the bag is said to release the blessing
  • Often kept in bags, wallets, or cars

HONORIFIC:
The お is an honorific prefix; the base word is 守(まも)り (protection).

RELATED:

  • 御札(おふだ): paper talisman for the home
  • 絵馬(えま): votive tablet

Related Words

Related: お札(ふだ) (paper talisman)
Related: 絵馬(えま) (votive tablet)
core
Added 2026.1.17 2:26 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
05500/05955_omamori