出雲大社を英語で説明・紹介するための基本情報と、英会話に役立つ表現をシンプルでわかりやすい英語で紹介します。
英会話ダイアローグ・関連情報・10の質問を通して、出雲大社に関する英語表現を学びます。
英語
英会話ダイアローグを読む前に知っておくと良い前提知識と情報は以下の通りです。
- 歴史的背景
- 出雲大社は、日本で最も古く、重要な神社の一つであり、その歴史は1500年以上にわたる
- 主祭神は大国主大神で、縁結びの神として知られている
- 建築様式
- 出雲大社の本殿は、日本最古の神社建築様式である「大社造り」で建てられている
- 神楽殿には日本最大級の「注連縄（しめなわ）」がある
- 祭りと行事
- 10月に行われる「神在月（かみありづき）」の祭りは特に有名、日本全国の神々が出雲大社に集まると信じられている
- 他の地域では10月を「神無月（かんなづき）」と呼び、神々が出雲に集まるため神社を留守にするとされている
- 独特な礼拝方法
- 出雲大社では、祈りの際に四拍手（二回自分のために、二回相手のために）するのが伝統
- 多くの他の神社では二拍手が一般的
- 規模と見どころ
- 出雲大社の敷地面積は16ヘクタール以上
- 主な見どころには本殿、神楽殿、宝物殿、神門通り、そして稲佐の浜がある
2人が出雲大社について話しています。
出雲大社の歴史、主祭神は縁結びの神の大国主大神、建築様式「大社造り」、日本最大級の注連縄、神在月、参拝方法などを話題にしています。
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in learning more about Izumo Taisha. Have you ever been there?
Yes, I have! It’s one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. Did you know it has a history of over 1,500 years?
Wow, that’s impressive. What makes it so special compared to other shrines?
One unique aspect is the worship practice. At Izumo Taisha, you clap four times during prayers—twice for yourself and twice for your partner. Most other shrines only have two claps.
That’s interesting. Who is the main deity there?
The main deity is Ōkuninushi no Ōkami. He is known as the god of marriage and good relationships, which is why many people visit the shrine to pray for love and happiness.
I heard there are some significant festivals at Izumo Taisha. Can you tell me more about them?
Sure. The most famous one is the Kamiarizuki festival in October. It’s believed that all the gods from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha during this month. This is unique because, in the rest of Japan, October is called Kannazuki, the month without gods, since the gods are thought to leave their shrines to gather at Izumo.
That’s fascinating. What about the architecture? I’ve heard it’s quite unique.
Yes, the main hall is built in the Taisha-zukuri style, which is the oldest style of shrine architecture in Japan. The hall is 24 meters tall and has large decorative elements like chigi on the roof. There’s also the Kaguraden, which has one of the largest shimenawa ropes in Japan.
What else can you see there?
Besides the main hall and Kaguraden, there’s the Treasure Hall with historical artifacts, Shinmon-dori Street with shops and eateries, and Inasanohama Beach where gods are welcomed during the Kamiarizuki festival.
It sounds like there’s a lot to see. How big is the shrine?
The shrine covers over 16 hectares. It’s quite large and attracts many visitors, especially during festivals when tens of thousands of people come to visit.
I’d love to visit during a festival. Any tips for visiting?
Definitely. Be sure to purify yourself at the chōzuya before entering, and remember the four claps during your prayers. Also, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the crowds.
Thanks, Key. This has been really helpful. I can’t wait to visit Izumo Taisha and experience all this in person.
You’re welcome, Mack. Enjoy your visit!
関連情報 / related information
「出雲大社」について、理解を深めるための「英語での関連情報」です。
出雲大社
Historical Significance
Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It has a history of over 1,500 years. The main deity worshipped here is Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, who is known as the god of marriage and good relationships.
Architectural Style
The main hall (honden) of Izumo Taisha is built in the oldest style of shrine architecture in Japan, called Taisha-zukuri. This hall is 24 meters tall and has large decorative elements like chigi on the roof. The Kaguraden also has one of the largest shimenawa (sacred ropes) in Japan.
Festivals and Events
The Kamiarizuki festival in October is very famous. During this time, it is believed that all the gods from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha. This is unique because, in the rest of Japan, October is called Kannazuki, the month without gods, since the gods are thought to leave their shrines to gather at Izumo.
Unique Worship Practices
At Izumo Taisha, it is traditional to clap four times during prayers—twice for oneself and twice for a potential partner. This is different from the usual practice of clapping twice at other Shinto shrines.
Scale and Points of Interest
Izumo Taisha covers an area of over 16 hectares. Key attractions include the main hall, Kaguraden, Treasure Hall, Shinmon-dori Street, and Inasanohama Beach. These places are significant and worth visiting when you go to Izumo Taisha.
10の質問 / 10 questions
「出雲大社」について、理解を深めるための「英語での10の質問」です。
1: What is Izumo Taisha?
Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It is located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and is dedicated to Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, the god of marriage and relationships.
2: Why is Izumo Taisha famous?
Izumo Taisha is famous for its ancient history, unique architectural style, and the Kamiarizuki festival in October when it is believed that all the gods from across Japan gather at the shrine.
3: Who is worshipped at Izumo Taisha?
The main deity worshipped at Izumo Taisha is Ōkuninushi no Ōkami. He is known as the god of marriage, good relationships, and the creation of the land of Japan.
4: What is the architectural style of Izumo Taisha?
The main hall of Izumo Taisha is built in the Taisha-zukuri style, which is the oldest type of shrine architecture in Japan. It is characterized by a tall structure with large decorative elements like chigi on the roof.
5: What is the Kamiarizuki festival?
The Kamiarizuki festival is held in October at Izumo Taisha. It is believed that during this time, all the gods from across Japan gather at the shrine to discuss the relationships and bonds for the coming year.
6: How do people pray at Izumo Taisha?
When praying at Izumo Taisha, it is traditional to clap four times—twice for oneself and twice for a potential partner. This is different from the usual practice of clapping twice at other Shinto shrines.
7: What can you see at Izumo Taisha?
Visitors can see the main hall, the Kaguraden with its massive shimenawa (sacred rope), the Treasure Hall, and the beautiful Inasanohama Beach nearby.
8: How big is Izumo Taisha?
Izumo Taisha covers an area of over 16 hectares, making it one of the largest shrine complexes in Japan.
9: What is the significance of the shimenawa at Izumo Taisha?
The shimenawa at Izumo Taisha’s Kaguraden is one of the largest in Japan. It symbolizes the boundary between the sacred and the profane, and it is believed to protect the shrine from evil spirits.
10: How do you get to Izumo Taisha?
Izumo Taisha is accessible by bus or train from Izumo City Station. It’s about a 7-minute walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station.
和訳付
会話 / dialogue
Hey Key, I’ve been really interested in learning more about Izumo Taisha. Have you ever been there?
ねえキー、最近出雲大社についてもっと知りたくてさ。行ったことある？
Yes, I have! It’s one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. Did you know it has a history of over 1,500 years?
うん、あるよ！日本で最も古くて重要な神社の一つなんだよ。1500年以上の歴史があるって知ってた？
Wow, that’s impressive. What makes it so special compared to other shrines?
すごいね。他の神社と比べて何が特別なの？
One unique aspect is the worship practice. At Izumo Taisha, you clap four times during prayers—twice for yourself and twice for your partner. Most other shrines only have two claps.
祈りの方法が独特なんだ。出雲大社では祈るときに四拍手するんだよ。自分のために二回、相手のために二回。他の神社では二拍手だけなんだ。
That’s interesting. Who is the main deity there?
面白いね。そこにはどんな神様が祀られているの？
The main deity is Ōkuninushi no Ōkami. He is known as the god of marriage and good relationships, which is why many people visit the shrine to pray for love and happiness.
主祭神は大国主大神だよ。縁結びの神として知られていて、だから多くの人が恋愛や幸福を祈りに訪れるんだ。
I heard there are some significant festivals at Izumo Taisha. Can you tell me more about them?
出雲大社には重要な祭りがあるって聞いたんだけど、もっと教えてくれる？
Sure. The most famous one is the Kamiarizuki festival in October. It’s believed that all the gods from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha during this month. This is unique because, in the rest of Japan, October is called Kannazuki, the month without gods, since the gods are thought to leave their shrines to gather at Izumo.
もちろん。一番有名なのは10月の神在月の祭りだよ。この月には日本全国の神々が出雲大社に集まると信じられているんだ。これは特別で、他の地域では10月を神無月と呼んでいて、神々が出雲に集まるために神社を留守にする月なんだ。
That’s fascinating. What about the architecture? I’ve heard it’s quite unique.
それは興味深いね。建築についてはどう？独特だって聞いたことがあるけど。
Yes, the main hall is built in the Taisha-zukuri style, which is the oldest style of shrine architecture in Japan. The hall is 24 meters tall and has large decorative elements like chigi on the roof. There’s also the Kaguraden, which has one of the largest shimenawa ropes in Japan.
そうだね、本殿は日本最古の神社建築様式である大社造りで建てられているんだ。本殿は高さ24メートルで、屋根には千木のような大きな装飾があるんだよ。それに、神楽殿には日本最大級の注連縄があるんだ。
What else can you see there?
他には何が見られるの？
Besides the main hall and Kaguraden, there’s the Treasure Hall with historical artifacts, Shinmon-dori Street with shops and eateries, and Inasanohama Beach where gods are welcomed during the Kamiarizuki festival.
本殿と神楽殿の他に、歴史的な遺物が展示されている宝物殿や、店や食べ物が並ぶ神門通り、神在月の祭りで神々が迎えられる稲佐の浜もあるんだ。
It sounds like there’s a lot to see. How big is the shrine?
たくさん見るものがあるんだね。神社はどれくらい大きいの？
The shrine covers over 16 hectares. It’s quite large and attracts many visitors, especially during festivals when tens of thousands of people come to visit.
神社は16ヘクタール以上の広さがあるんだ。かなり大きくて、特に祭りの時期には何万人もの人が訪れるんだよ。
I’d love to visit during a festival. Any tips for visiting?
祭りの時期に行ってみたいな。訪れる際のアドバイスはある？
Definitely. Be sure to purify yourself at the chōzuya before entering, and remember the four claps during your prayers. Also, visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the crowds.
もちろん。入る前に手水舎で自分を清めて、祈るときの四拍手を忘れないようにね。それに、早朝か夕方遅くに訪れると混雑を避けられるよ。
Thanks, Key. This has been really helpful. I can’t wait to visit Izumo Taisha and experience all this in person.
ありがとう、キー。本当に参考になったよ。出雲大社に行って実際に体験するのが楽しみだな。
You’re welcome, Mack. Enjoy your visit!
どういたしまして、マック。楽しんでね！
関連情報 / related information
出雲大社
Historical Significance
Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It has a history of over 1,500 years. The main deity worshipped here is Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, who is known as the god of marriage and good relationships.
出雲大社は、日本で最も古く、重要な神社の一つです。その歴史は1500年以上にわたります。ここで祀られている主祭神は大国主大神で、縁結びの神として知られています 。
Architectural Style
The main hall (honden) of Izumo Taisha is built in the oldest style of shrine architecture in Japan, called Taisha-zukuri. This hall is 24 meters tall and has large decorative elements like chigi on the roof. The Kaguraden also has one of the largest shimenawa (sacred ropes) in Japan.
出雲大社の本殿は、日本最古の神社建築様式である「大社造り」で建てられています。本殿は高さ24メートルで、屋根には千木と呼ばれる大きな装飾が施されています。また、神楽殿には日本最大級の注連縄があります。
Festivals and Events
The Kamiarizuki festival in October is very famous. During this time, it is believed that all the gods from across Japan gather at Izumo Taisha. This is unique because, in the rest of Japan, October is called Kannazuki, the month without gods, since the gods are thought to leave their shrines to gather at Izumo .
10月に行われる神在月の祭りは非常に有名です。この期間、日本全国の神々が出雲大社に集まると信じられています。これは他の地域と異なり、他の地域では10月を「神無月」と呼び、神々が出雲に集まるため神社を留守にするとされています。
Unique Worship Practices
At Izumo Taisha, it is traditional to clap four times during prayers—twice for oneself and twice for a potential partner. This is different from the usual practice of clapping twice at other Shinto shrines.
出雲大社では、祈りの際に四拍手（二回自分のために、二回相手のために）するのが伝統です。多くの他の神社では二拍手が一般的です 。
Scale and Points of Interest
Izumo Taisha covers an area of over 16 hectares. Key attractions include the main hall, Kaguraden, Treasure Hall, Shinmon-dori Street, and Inasanohama Beach. These places are significant and worth visiting when you go to Izumo Taisha.
出雲大社の敷地面積は16ヘクタール以上です。主要な見どころには、本殿、神楽殿、宝物殿、神門通り、稲佐の浜があります。これらの場所は、出雲大社を訪れる際にぜひ訪れたいスポットです 。
10の質問 / 10 questions
1: What is Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社とは何ですか？
Izumo Taisha is one of the oldest and most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It is located in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture, and is dedicated to Ōkuninushi no Ōkami, the god of marriage and relationships.
出雲大社は、日本で最も古く、重要な神社の一つです。島根県出雲市にあり、縁結びの神である大国主大神を祀っています。
2: Why is Izumo Taisha famous?
出雲大社はなぜ有名ですか？
Izumo Taisha is famous for its ancient history, unique architectural style, and the Kamiarizuki festival in October when it is believed that all the gods from across Japan gather at the shrine.
出雲大社は、その古代の歴史、独特の建築様式、そして10月に日本中の神々が集まるとされる神在月の祭りで有名です。
3: Who is worshipped at Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社では誰が祀られていますか？
The main deity worshipped at Izumo Taisha is Ōkuninushi no Ōkami. He is known as the god of marriage, good relationships, and the creation of the land of Japan.
出雲大社で祀られている主祭神は大国主大神です。彼は縁結び、良縁、そして日本の国土創造の神として知られています。
4: What is the architectural style of Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社の建築様式は何ですか？
The main hall of Izumo Taisha is built in the Taisha-zukuri style, which is the oldest type of shrine architecture in Japan. It is characterized by a tall structure with large decorative elements like chigi on the roof.
出雲大社の本殿は、日本最古の神社建築様式である大社造りで建てられています。高い構造と屋根に施された千木のような大きな装飾が特徴です。
5: What is the Kamiarizuki festival?
神在月の祭りとは何ですか？
The Kamiarizuki festival is held in October at Izumo Taisha. It is believed that during this time, all the gods from across Japan gather at the shrine to discuss the relationships and bonds for the coming year.
神在月の祭りは、10月に出雲大社で行われます。この期間、日本全国の神々が集まり、翌年の縁や絆について話し合うと信じられています。
6: How do people pray at Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社での祈り方はどうしますか？
When praying at Izumo Taisha, it is traditional to clap four times—twice for oneself and twice for a potential partner. This is different from the usual practice of clapping twice at other Shinto shrines.
出雲大社で祈る際には、四拍手（自分のために二回、相手のために二回）するのが伝統です。これは他の神社での通常の二拍手とは異なります。
7: What can you see at Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社では何が見られますか？
Visitors can see the main hall, the Kaguraden with its massive shimenawa (sacred rope), the Treasure Hall, and the beautiful Inasanohama Beach nearby.
訪問者は、本殿、巨大なしめ縄が掛けられた神楽殿、宝物殿、そして近くの美しい稲佐の浜を見ることができます。
8: How big is Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社の大きさはどれくらいですか？
Izumo Taisha covers an area of over 16 hectares, making it one of the largest shrine complexes in Japan.
出雲大社は16ヘクタール以上の敷地を持ち、日本で最も大きな神社の一つです。
9: What is the significance of the shimenawa at Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社のしめ縄の意味は何ですか？
The shimenawa at Izumo Taisha’s Kaguraden is one of the largest in Japan. It symbolizes the boundary between the sacred and the profane, and it is believed to protect the shrine from evil spirits.
出雲大社の神楽殿のしめ縄は、日本最大級のものの一つです。これは神聖なものと俗界の境界を象徴し、神社を悪霊から守ると信じられています。
10: How do you get to Izumo Taisha?
出雲大社へのアクセス方法は？
Izumo Taisha is accessible by bus or train from Izumo City Station. It’s about a 7-minute walk from Izumo Taisha-mae Station.
出雲大社へは出雲市駅からバスや電車でアクセスできます。出雲大社前駅から徒歩約7分です。
words & phrases
英会話ダイアローグと関連情報に出てきた単語・フレーズです（例文は各３つ）。
clap : 動詞
意味: 手をたたく、拍手する。To strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound, usually to show approval or appreciation.
（出雲大社での礼拝の際に四拍手をする伝統）
例文：
- The audience clapped loudly after the performance.
「観客は公演後に大きな拍手を送りました。」 - She clapped her hands in excitement.
「彼女は興奮して手をたたきました。」 - At the end of the speech, everyone clapped.
「スピーチの終わりに、みんな拍手しました。」
decorative : 形容詞
意味: 装飾の、飾りの。Serving to make something look more attractive; ornamental.
（出雲大社の本殿の屋根の千木などの大きな装飾を指す）
例文：
- The decorative lights made the room look festive.
「装飾用の照明が部屋を華やかに見せました。」 - She added some decorative pillows to the couch.
「彼女はソファに装飾用のクッションを加えました。」 - The vase has a decorative design.
「その花瓶には装飾的なデザインがあります。」
eatery : 名詞
意味: 飲食店、レストラン。A place where people can buy and eat food.
（神門通りの店や食べ物を提供する場所を指す）
例文：
- We found a nice eatery near the beach.
「私たちはビーチの近くに良い飲食店を見つけました。」 - The new eatery downtown is very popular.
「ダウンタウンの新しい飲食店はとても人気があります。」 - They decided to open an eatery specializing in vegan food.
「彼らはビーガン料理専門の飲食店を開くことに決めました。」
purify : 動詞
意味: 浄化する、清める。To remove contaminants from something, making it clean or pure.
（出雲大社の手水舎で手と口を清める儀式）
例文：
- They used a filter to purify the water.
「彼らはフィルターを使って水を浄化しました。」 - The priest performed a ritual to purify the temple.
「神父は寺院を清めるための儀式を行いました。」 - Air purifiers help to purify the air in your home.
「空気清浄機は家の中の空気を浄化するのに役立ちます。」
prayer : 名詞
意味: 祈り、祈願。A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.
（出雲大社での祈りの行為）
例文：
- She said a prayer for her family’s health.
「彼女は家族の健康のために祈りを捧げました。」 - They gathered for a moment of prayer before the ceremony.
「彼らは式の前に祈りの時間を持ちました。」 - His prayer was answered when he found a new job.
「彼の祈りは新しい仕事を見つけたときに叶えられました。」