供養(くよう)

くよう
noun, suru verb
memorial service, prayers for the dead
1. memorial service, prayers for the dead, offering to the deceased
A Buddhist ritual or practice of making offerings and praying for the repose of the dead. Can also extend to honoring inanimate objects that have served their purpose.
先祖(せんぞ)の供養(くよう)をする。
To hold a memorial service for one's ancestors.
毎年(まいとし)命日(めいにち)に供養(くよう)を行(おこな)っている。
We hold a memorial service every year on the anniversary of the death.
古(ふる)くなった人形(にんぎょう)を寺(てら)で供養(くよう)してもらった。
We had old dolls given a memorial ceremony at the temple.

GRAMMAR: Functions as a noun and as a する verb (供養(くよう)する).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 先祖(せんぞ)供養(くよう) (memorial service for ancestors)
  • 供養(くよう)を行(おこな)う (to hold a memorial service)
  • 水子(みずこ)供養(くよう) (memorial for miscarried/aborted children)
  • 針(はり)供養(くよう) (needle memorial ceremony)
  • 人形(にんぎょう)供養(くよう) (doll memorial ceremony)

CULTURAL: In Japanese Buddhism, 供養(くよう) is not limited to human deaths. There are ceremonies for broken needles (針(はり)供養(くよう)), old dolls, and even used chopsticks, reflecting the belief that objects develop a spirit after long use.

general
Added 2026.2.16 19:57 · Revised 2026.2.19 21:32
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