Translation guide
A fully ordained Buddhist nun. The term is primarily used in Theravada and other Buddhist contexts. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 尼僧 (nisou), but other terms exist depending on tradition and context.
To refer to a fully ordained female Buddhist monastic in general, especially in Theravada or international contexts.
The standard Japanese term for a Buddhist nun, used across various schools. It directly corresponds to 'bhikkhuni'.
彼女はタイで尼僧になった。
She became a bhikkhuni in Thailand.
A direct transliteration of the Pali/Sanskrit term 'bhikkhuni'. It is used in more technical or traditional Buddhist contexts, often in written texts.
この経典は比丘尼の戒律について述べている。
This sutra discusses the precepts for bhikkhunis.
A more general and sometimes colloquial term for a nun, but can be ambiguous as it may also refer to Christian nuns. In Buddhist contexts, it is understood but less precise than 尼僧.
あの尼さんは毎朝お経をあげる。
That nun chants sutras every morning.
To specifically refer to a fully ordained nun in the Theravada tradition, where the bhikkhuni lineage was revived in modern times.
Literally 'Theravada nun'. This phrase clarifies the tradition and is easily understood.
スリランカには多くのテーラワーダの尼僧がいる。
There are many Theravada bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka.
Uses the Japanese term for Theravada (上座部) and the transliterated 'bhikkhuni'. More formal and technical.
上座部の比丘尼の戒律は厳格だ。
The precepts for Theravada bhikkhunis are strict.
To refer to a fully ordained nun in Mahayana traditions, such as in China, Korea, or Vietnam, where the full ordination lineage exists.
Literally 'Mahayana Buddhist nun'. This is the clearest way to specify the tradition.
彼女は台湾で大乗仏教の尼僧として修行した。
She trained as a Mahayana bhikkhuni in Taiwan.
A more concise, technical version using the transliteration. Suitable for academic or Buddhist studies contexts.
大乗の比丘尼の伝統は中国から日本に伝わった。
The Mahayana bhikkhuni tradition was transmitted from China to Japan.
To refer to a nun within Japanese Buddhism, where full ordination (bhikkhuni) is rare and most female monastics are technically novice nuns.
Still the standard term, but note that in Japan, most 'nuns' are not fully ordained bhikkhunis. Context usually clarifies.
日本の尼僧は、多くの場合、正式な具足戒を受けていない。
Japanese nuns, in many cases, have not received full ordination.
Used when specifically discussing the historical or rare instances of full ordination for women in Japan. Not commonly used in everyday language.
日本の比丘尼の歴史は複雑だ。
The history of bhikkhunis in Japan is complex.
In Japanese Buddhism, the full ordination lineage for women (bhikkhuni) was historically interrupted. Most female monastics in Japan today are technically 'novices' (沙弥尼, shamini) or have taken bodhisattva precepts, not the full bhikkhuni precepts. Therefore, when translating 'bhikkhuni' in a Japanese context, be aware that 尼僧 may not imply full ordination unless specified.
尼僧 (nisou) is the most common and neutral term for a Buddhist nun. 尼 (ama) is more colloquial and can also refer to Christian nuns. 比丘尼 (bikuni) is a direct transliteration of 'bhikkhuni' and is used in technical or scriptural contexts. For general use, 尼僧 is recommended.