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.
The standard, formal term for a Buddhist monk. Used across sects.
彼は僧侶になるために修行している。
He is training to become a Buddhist monk.
A shorter, more literary term for a monk. Often used in compounds.
高僧の教えを聞く。
Listen to the teachings of a high-ranking monk.
Addressing or referring to a monk politely in daily conversation.
The most common, polite way to refer to a Buddhist monk in everyday Japanese. Suitable for all sects.
お坊さんにお経をあげてもらった。
We had a monk chant sutras for us.
A more respectful version of お坊さん, often used when addressing a monk directly.
お坊様、ありがとうございます。
Thank you, reverend monk.
Specifying the sect or tradition of the monk.
Can be used with sect names, e.g., 禅宗の僧侶 (Zen monk).
禅宗の僧侶は座禅を組む。
Zen monks practice zazen meditation.
Used in compounds like 禅僧 (Zen monk) or 尼僧 (nun).
彼は有名な禅僧だ。
He is a famous Zen monk.
Referring to the head of a temple.
The head priest or abbot of a temple. Often the resident monk in charge.
住職が法話をしてくれた。
The head monk gave a sermon.
A term for a high-ranking or head monk, especially in Zen Buddhism. Also used as a title.
Referring to a monk who is still in training or a young monk.
A monk undergoing ascetic training. Emphasizes the training aspect.
修行僧は毎日厳しい修行をする。
Trainee monks undergo rigorous training every day.
Literally 'little monk,' a term for a young novice. Can be slightly derogatory if used for adults.
Referring to a monk who travels and begs for alms.
A monk who practices takuhatsu, the traditional begging for alms.
托鉢僧が静かに歩いている。
A mendicant monk is walking quietly.
A Zen term for a wandering monk, literally 'clouds and water,' implying a free, unattached life.
彼は雲水として諸国を巡った。
He traveled around the country as a wandering monk.
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.
Consult the head monk.
The young monks are cleaning.