数珠(じゅず)

じゅず
noun
Buddhist prayer beads; rosary
formal
See also: 念珠(ねんじゅ) (formal/literary term)
1. Buddhist prayer beads
A string of beads used for counting prayers or mantras in Buddhist practice. Also used at funerals and memorial services.
葬儀(そうぎ)には数珠(じゅず)を持参(じさん)した。
I brought prayer beads to the funeral.
祖母(そぼ)は毎日(まいにち)数珠(じゅず)を手(て)にお経(きょう)を唱(とな)えていた。
My grandmother used to chant sutras every day with prayer beads in hand.
法事(ほうじ)に行(い)くので数珠(じゅず)を用意(ようい)した。
I prepared prayer beads since I'm going to a memorial service.

Cultural context: 数珠(じゅず) are essential items for Buddhist ceremonies in Japan, including funerals (葬儀(そうぎ)/告別式(こくべつしき)), memorial services (法事(ほうじ)), and visits to graves (墓参(はかまい)り).

Types

  • 本式(ほんしき)数珠(じゅず): formal type with 108 beads
  • 略式(りゃくしき)数珠(じゅず): simplified type (more common)
  • Varies by Buddhist sect

Number significance

  • Traditional: 108 beads representing 108 worldly desires (煩悩(ぼんのう))
  • Simplified versions may have 27, 36, or 54 beads

Etiquette

  • Hold in left hand or wrap around both hands during prayer
  • Should not be placed on the floor
  • Often kept in a small pouch (数珠袋(じゅずぶくろ))

Related words

  • 念珠(ねんじゅ): alternative formal term
  • 数珠(じゅず)つなぎ: strung together like beads (idiom)

Alternate reading: Also read as ずず in some contexts.

Related Words

Related: 位牌(いはい) (memorial tablet)
Related: 仏壇(ぶつだん) (Buddhist altar)
Related: 仏具(ぶつぐ) (Buddhist altar fittings)
general
Added 2026.1.19 8:54 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
07000/07131_juzu