Translation guide
A male member of a Buddhist monastic order. In Japanese, the term varies by sect, rank, and context. The most common general word is 僧侶, but お坊さん is the everyday polite term.
Referring to a Buddhist monk in a general, neutral, or formal context.
Addressing or referring to a monk politely in daily conversation.
Specifying the sect or tradition of the monk.
Can be used with sect names, e.g., 禅宗の僧侶 (Zen monk).
Referring to the head of a temple.
The head priest or abbot of a temple. Often the resident monk in charge.
Referring to a monk who is still in training or a young monk.
Referring to a monk who travels and begs for alms.
A monk who practices takuhatsu, the traditional begging for alms.
坊主 (ぼうず) is a casual or sometimes derogatory term for a monk. It can be used among close friends or in set phrases like 坊主頭 (shaved head), but it is not polite for general reference. Use お坊さん instead.
僧侶 is the formal, written term. お坊さん is the everyday polite term. In conversation, お坊さん is much more common. 僧侶 is used in news, official documents, or when specifying sect affiliation.
Listen to the teachings of a high-ranking monk.
The most common, polite way to refer to a Buddhist monk in everyday Japanese. Suitable for all sects.
We had a monk chant sutras for us.
A more respectful version of お坊さん, often used when addressing a monk directly.
Thank you, reverend monk.
Zen monks practice zazen meditation.
Used in compounds like 禅僧 (Zen monk) or 尼僧 (nun).
He is a famous Zen monk.
The head monk gave a sermon.
A term for a high-ranking or head monk, especially in Zen Buddhism. Also used as a title.
Consult the head monk.
A monk undergoing ascetic training. Emphasizes the training aspect.
Trainee monks undergo rigorous training every day.
Literally 'little monk,' a term for a young novice. Can be slightly derogatory if used for adults.
The young monks are cleaning.
A mendicant monk is walking quietly.
A Zen term for a wandering monk, literally 'clouds and water,' implying a free, unattached life.
He traveled around the country as a wandering monk.