Japanese word

法師

Pronunciation

Romajihōshi

Meaning

  • nounBuddhist priest

Example

寺の法師が朝のお経を読みます。tera no hō shi ga asa no o kyō o yo mi ma su

The Buddhist priest at the temple recites the morning sutra.

Illustration for 法師 (Buddhist priest)

More examples

旅人は山寺の法師に道を尋ねました。tabi bito wa yama dera no hō shi ni michi o tazu ne ma shi ta

The traveler asked the Buddhist priest at the mountain temple for directions.

Core concept

Presents a Buddhist cleric as a learned religious teacher who carries Buddhist teachings into practice and instruction.

Common phrases

  • 法師になるhō shi ni na ru

    become a Buddhist priest

  • 法師の説法hō shi no sep pō

    a Buddhist priest's sermon

  • 法師を訪ねるhō shi o tazu ne ru

    visit a Buddhist priest

Similar words

僧侶sōryo: A person who has entered Buddhist religious life and follows its practices.
和尚oshō: A Buddhist priest who is addressed as a teacher, especially in a temple setting.
坊主bōzu: A Buddhist priest referred to in a familiar, colloquial, or sometimes blunt way.

Definition in Japanese

仏教の教えを修め、人に説く僧。buk kyō no oshi e o osa me hito ni to ku sō

Word origin

法師 (hōshi) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 法 (hō, "Dharma") and 師 (shi, "teacher"), meaning a teacher of Buddhist teachings.

Usage tips

  • In modern conversation, 法師 (hōshi) can sound more literary than everyday terms for a Buddhist priest, which makes its register important when translating historical dialogue.

Word lists with this word