Japanese Conversation · Level 92
60 words
Japanese word
僧侶
Pronunciation
Romajisōryo
Meaning
- nounBuddhist monk
Example
その寺の僧侶は、毎朝お経を読みます。so no tera no sō ryo wa mai asa o kyō o yo mi ma su
The Buddhist monk at that temple recites sutras every morning.
More examples
その僧侶は、訪れた人に寺の歴史を説明します。so no sō ryo wa otozu re ta hito ni tera no reki shi o setsu mei shi ma su
That Buddhist monk explains the temple's history to visitors.
Core concept
Refers to a Buddhist religious practitioner whose life centers on discipline, study, worship, and service.
Common phrases
僧侶の話sō ryo no hanashi
a Buddhist monk's talk
僧侶に相談するsō ryo ni sō dan su ru
consult a Buddhist monk
Similar words
僧sō: A concise, formal, or literary term for a Buddhist religious practitioner.
坊さんbōsan: A familiar and respectful term for a Buddhist monk.
坊主bōzu: A traditional term for a Buddhist monk or priest, sometimes used informally.
Definition in Japanese
仏教の教えを学び、修行し、寺院などで宗教活動に携わる出家者。buk kyō no oshi e o mana bi shu gyō shi ji in na do de shū kyō katsu dō ni tazusa wa ru shuk ke sha
Word origin
The word 僧侶 (sōryo) combines 僧 (sō, "Buddhist monk") with 侶 (ryo, "companion"), expressing the idea of a monk belonging to a religious community.
Usage tips
- English often uses monk by itself for several religious traditions, so Buddhist monk makes the tradition explicit when discussing Japanese temples.
Other meanings
- priestnoun
- bonzenoun