1.
Buddhist monk; priest
A Buddhist monk or priest, traditionally with a shaved head.
坊主がお経を読んでいる。
The monk is reciting a sutra.
2.
shaved head; buzz cut
A closely shaved or very short hairstyle, resembling a monk's head.
頭を剃って坊主にした。
I shaved my head.
夏は坊主頭が涼しい。
A shaved head is cool in summer.
3.
boy; kid
Colloquial term for a young boy, often used affectionately.
USAGE: 坊主 has multiple meanings depending on context. The hairstyle meaning is very common in everyday conversation.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 坊主頭 (shaved head)
- 坊主にする (to shave one's head)
- 三日坊主 (someone who can't stick to anything - lit. 'three-day monk')
IDIOM:
- 三日坊主 - A person who gives up easily or lacks perseverance