寺
ジ, てら

Buddhist temple

JLPT2 G2 S6 F879

The relevant oracle bone form of this character is 止# (stand straight) + 寸 hand/action indicator → stand straight by in attending on a superior, then carry out orders → government office (← place where official functions are carried out). (Buddhist) *temple* is via the name (鴻臚寺) of a reception building for priestly visitors from outside of China.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]