Translation guide
In Japanese, the term for a Buddhist priest varies based on sect, rank, and context. The most common general term is 僧侶 (souryo), but other words like お坊さん (obousan) are used in everyday speech. This guide covers the main ways to refer to a Buddhist priest, from formal to casual, and explains when to use each.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a Buddhist priest in Japanese.
A formal, general term for a Buddhist priest or monk. Used in official contexts, news, and written language.
彼は僧侶です。
He is a Buddhist priest.
A polite, everyday term for a Buddhist priest. Commonly used in conversation, especially when addressing or referring to a priest respectfully.
お坊さんにお経をあげてもらいました。
We had a Buddhist priest chant sutras for us.
A casual, slightly familiar term for a Buddhist priest. Can be used among friends or in informal settings, but may sound disrespectful if used directly to a priest.
あの坊さんはよくしゃべるね。
That priest talks a lot, doesn't he?
Specifically referring to the chief priest or abbot of a Buddhist temple.
The head priest or chief monk of a temple. This is the standard term for the resident priest in charge.
この寺の住職はとても親切です。
The head priest of this temple is very kind.
A term for a high-ranking priest, often the head of a temple, especially in Zen sects. Also used as a title before the priest's name.
Terms used in particular schools of Japanese Buddhism.
The head of a Buddhist sect, especially in Jodo Shinshu. A very high-ranking title.
浄土真宗の法主は門主とも呼ばれます。
The head of the Jodo Shinshu sect is also called Monshu.
A high-ranking priest or teacher in esoteric Buddhist sects like Shingon and Tendai. A title for a master practitioner.
How to call or mention a Buddhist priest in conversation, with appropriate politeness.
When speaking to or about a priest, add さん or さま for respect. お坊さん is polite; お坊さま is more formal and reverent.
お坊さん、ちょっとお聞きしたいことがあります。
Priest, I have something I'd like to ask you.
お坊さまがいらっしゃいました。
The priest has arrived. (very respectful)
For head priests or high-ranking priests, use their title (e.g., 住職, 和尚) followed by 様 (さま) for maximum respect.
住職様、本日はありがとうございます。
Head priest, thank you for today.
The single character 僧 means 'monk' or 'priest' but is rarely used alone in modern Japanese. It appears in compounds like 僧侶 or 高僧 (こうそう, high priest). Using 僧 by itself can sound blunt or archaic.
僧侶 is formal and often used in writing or official contexts. お坊さん is the everyday polite term. In casual speech, 坊さん is common but can be slightly irreverent. Choose based on the situation and your relationship to the priest.
I'll consult with the head priest.
Becoming an Ajari requires rigorous training.