1.
Buddhist monk, Buddhist priest, clergy member
A person who has taken religious vows in Buddhism and serves as a member of the clergy. A formal term for Buddhist monks and priests.
僧侶がお経を読む。
The monk reads a sutra.
葬式で僧侶にお経を上げてもらった。
We had a monk chant sutras at the funeral.
この寺には十人ほどの僧侶が修行のために暮らしている。
About ten monks live at this temple for religious training.
A formal term. In everyday speech, お坊さん is more commonly used. In Japan, Buddhist 僧侶 are often called upon for funerals, memorial services, and other religious ceremonies. Unlike in some other Buddhist traditions, Japanese monks are generally allowed to marry.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 僧侶を招く (invite a monk)
- 僧侶がお経を読む (a monk reads sutras)
- 僧侶として修行する (train as a monk)
Related Words
Synonym:
お坊さん (everyday term)