Ji

Ji is the Japanese suffix 寺, meaning “temple,” used in the names of Buddhist temples. Its pronunciation can vary in compounds.

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Kanji: Kanji are Chinese-derived characters used in Japanese writing. 寺 is the character written ji in many Buddhist temple names.
Kiyomizu-dera: Kiyomizu-dera is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto, famous for its wooden stage overlooking the city. Its name uses dera, a voiced form of tera, rather than the suffix ji.
Tera: Tera is a Japanese reading of 寺 meaning “temple.” It is the same character’s common standalone reading, contrasting with ji in compounds.
Chinese characters: Chinese characters are logographic symbols used in Chinese writing and adopted into several neighboring writing systems. The character 寺 entered Japanese writing through the broader history of Chinese characters.
On'yomi: On’yomi are Japanese readings of kanji derived historically from Chinese pronunciations. Ji is an on’yomi reading of 寺 in many temple names.
Tōdai-ji: Tōdai-ji is a Buddhist temple complex in Nara, home to a monumental bronze Buddha. Its name provides a prominent example of ji as the final element.
-dera: -dera is a voiced form of tera found in some Japanese temple names. Names such as Kiyomizu-dera use this form instead of ji.
Buddhism in Japan: Buddhism in Japan is the development and practice of Buddhist traditions across Japanese history. The use of ji in temple names belongs to the history of Buddhist institutions in Japan.
Kun'yomi: Kun’yomi are native Japanese readings assigned to kanji. 寺 also has the native reading tera, unlike the compound reading ji.
Sensō-ji: Sensō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, traditionally associated with Kannon. Its name ends in ji and identifies one of Tokyo’s best-known temples.