僧侶(そうりょ)

そうりょ
noun
Buddhist monk, Buddhist priest
formalreligionoccupation
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(そうりょ)がお経(きょう)を読(よ)む。
The monk reads a sutra.
葬式(そうしき)で僧侶(そうりょ)にお経(きょう)を上(あ)げてもらった。
We had a monk chant sutras at the funeral.
この寺(てら)には十人(じゅうにん)ほどの僧侶(そうりょ)が修行(しゅぎょう)のために暮(く)らしている。
About ten monks live at this temple for religious training.

A formal term. In everyday speech, お坊(ぼう)さん is more commonly used. In Japan, Buddhist 僧侶(そうりょ) 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

Related Words

Synonym: お坊(ぼう)さん (everyday term)
Synonym: 坊主(ぼうず) (casual)
Compare: 神父(しんぷ) (Catholic priest)
Compare: 神職(しんしょく) (Shinto priest)
Compare: 和尚(おしょう) (Buddhist priest)
general
Added 2026.2.17 11:53 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
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