Translation guide
How to express the act of becoming a Buddhist monk or priest in Japanese, with attention to the specific ceremony, context, and level of formality.
To express the act of becoming a Buddhist monk or priest in a general sense.
The most common and general term for leaving secular life to become a Buddhist monk or nun. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (出家する).
He entered the priesthood when he was young.
The reasons for entering the priesthood vary from person to person.
Literally 'to become a monk'. A straightforward and natural way to express entering the priesthood, though slightly less formal than 出家.
He is training to become a monk.
Literally 'to enter the Buddha's gate'. A more literary or formal expression for entering the Buddhist priesthood.
After much anguish, he decided to enter the priesthood.
To refer specifically to the formal ceremony of becoming a priest, often involving precepts.
Refers to the ordination ceremony where one formally becomes a Buddhist monk or nun by receiving the precepts. Often used in formal or religious contexts.
He is scheduled to receive ordination next month.
To receive the Buddhist precepts, which is a key part of ordination. Can be used to describe the act of formally becoming a monk.
He received the precepts from his master.
To express entering the priesthood within a particular Buddhist sect or temple.
Pattern meaning 'to enter the gate of ~', used for joining a specific temple, sect, or school. Replace 〜 with the name of the sect or temple.
He entered a Zen temple (as a disciple).
Literally 'to knock on the gate of ~'. A figurative expression for seeking to enter a temple or become a disciple of a particular master.
He sought to become a disciple of a high priest.
To emphasize the aspect of renouncing the secular world to enter religious life.
Literally 'to abandon the secular world'. Used when the focus is on renunciation of worldly life.
He renounced the world and entered the priesthood.
A more literary way to say 'renounce the world'. Often used in classical or poetic contexts.
To renounce the world and seclude oneself in the mountains.
出家 (shukke) is the general act of leaving home to become a monk, while 得度 (tokudo) specifically refers to the ordination ceremony where one formally receives the precepts. 出家 can be used for the entire process, but 得度 is the formal ritual.
After leaving home to become a monk, he received ordination.
These terms are specifically for Buddhism. For entering the Christian priesthood, use 司祭になる (shisai ni naru) or 聖職者になる (seishokusha ni naru). For other religions, use general terms like 聖職者になる.