寺

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 寺 is read as てら and is a noun for a Buddhist temple.
• Basic usage: Location appears in 山の上に寺がある, while a visit appears in 寺に立ち寄る.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Difference from 神社
  • 寺 is a Buddhist temple, whereas 神社 is a Shinto shrine.
• Reading in compounds
  • The independent noun is commonly read てら, but temple names and compounds can use other readings, so each word must be learned in context.