神社|じんじゃjinja[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounShinto shrine
   京都きょうとには多おおくの神社じんじゃがある。↗

   There are many shrines in Kyoto.

• Synonym社やしろWrittenA written, literary word for a shrine or a building that enshrines a god, as in 「森の社」; it has an old-fashioned, poetic flavor.
• Related聖堂せいどうWrittenA written word for a Confucian temple or a church, as in 「湯島聖堂」; it is a different kind of building and cannot replace 「神社」.

For a Shinto shrine, 「神社」 is the default choice. Use 「社」 when you want a literary, old-fashioned tone. 「聖堂」 is a different kind of building — a Confucian temple or church — and is not interchangeable with 「神社」.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 神道しんとうの神かみをまつってある施設しせつ。