Spanish word

monje

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈmoŋxe/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmonk

Example

El monje vive en el monasterio.

The monk lives in the monastery.

Illustration for monje (monk)

More examples

Vi a un monje en la plaza esta mañana.

I saw a monk in the square this morning.

Core concept

A contemplative man reading a manuscript in a monastery cloister.

Common phrases

  • ver a un monje

    see a monk

  • un monje budista

    a Buddhist monk

Similar words

monja: Woman living in a convent who practices contemplative prayer and study.
sacerdote: Ordained minister who officiates ceremonies and administers sacraments.
cura: Priest responsible for a parish community, leading worship and offering guidance.
religioso: Person who commits to a religious vocation and a life of communal devotion.

Definition in Spanish

Miembro masculino de una orden religiosa que vive en un monasterio y practica la vida contemplativa y la disciplina comunitaria.

Word origin

Spanish monje comes via Latin monachus from Greek monáchos 'one who lives alone', reflecting the tradition of withdrawing into a religious community.

Usage tips

  • Distinguish monje from fraile: monjes usually live in enclosed monasteries focused on contemplation, while frailes are friars who often work among the public.

Opposites

Word lists with this word