1.
temples and shrines
A compound word referring collectively to Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Used when discussing both types of religious sites together.
京都には寺社が多い。
There are many temples and shrines in Kyoto.
正月には多くの人が寺社を訪れる。
Many people visit temples and shrines during the New Year.
この地域の歴史的な寺社を巡るツアーに参加した。
I joined a tour visiting the historic temples and shrines of this area.
USAGE:
The order 寺社 (temple-shrine) is the standard form. The reversed form 社寺 also exists and is interchangeable. Both refer to Buddhist temples (寺) and Shinto shrines (神社) collectively.
In historical contexts, 寺社奉行 was a Tokugawa-era magistrate overseeing temples and shrines.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 寺社仏閣: temples and shrines (more formal synonym)
- 寺社巡り: pilgrimage to temples and shrines
- 寺社奉行: magistrate of temples and shrines (historical)