祈り・祷り|いのりinori[3]odaka (tail-high)
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Which spelling to use
祈り祈り（いのり） is the common form and the recommended choice for learners; it is the form you are most likely to encounter.
祷り祷り（いのり） is rarely used, so learners will seldom encounter this mixed kanji-and-kana variant; use 祈り（いのり） instead.
Definitions
- nounprayer; supplication
Synonyms & antonyms
- Synonym祈祷きとうWrittenWritten/formal Sino-Japanese word for praying to gods or Buddha; also covers religious rites like exorcism. 「祈り」 is the native word and the everyday choice.
- Synonym祈念きねんWrittenWritten/formal: praying for a wish to come true, as in 「平和を祈念する」. Used in speeches and formal writing to wish success or safety; more solemn than 「祈り」.
- Synonym祈願きがんNeutralNeutral term for praying to gods or Buddha for a specific wish, as in 「合格祈願」; the emphasis is on the request itself, while 「祈り」 covers a broader range.
- Synonym願がんNeutralWritten as 「願」, it likewise means a wish or request; broader than 「祈り」 and not necessarily addressed to gods or Buddha.
- Synonym祈請きせいWrittenWritten/formal word for entreating the gods in prayer; rare in modern Japanese. In everyday speech, use 「祈り」 or 「祈願」 instead.
- Related願いねがいNeutralNeutral and much broader than 「祈り」: any wish, hope or request, not necessarily directed to gods or Buddha, as in 「お願い」.
- Related心願しんがんWrittenWritten/formal: a deep wish held in the heart, or a vow made to gods or Buddha. 「祈り」 refers to the act of praying itself.
Use 「祈り」 for praying to the gods or in your heart, as in 「祈りを捧げる」. For a specific wish choose 「祈願」, for solemn well-wishes 「祈念」, for a general wish 「願い」; 「祈祷」 is the formal written word.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese definitions
Kanji in this word
English equivalents
