Translation guide
A bowl used by Buddhist monks to receive alms, primarily food. The Japanese term is 応量器 (おうりょうき), often called 鉄鉢 (てっぱつ) or simply 鉢 (はち). This is a specialized religious item, not an everyday object.
The bowl carried by a mendicant Buddhist monk for receiving food offerings.
The formal term for a Buddhist monk's alms bowl, used in Zen and other traditions. It is a set of nested bowls used for meals and alms rounds.
僧侶は応量器を持って托鉢に出かけた。
The monk went out on alms rounds carrying his begging bowl.
Literally 'iron bowl', often used interchangeably with 応量器, especially in Zen contexts. It refers to the traditional black iron or steel bowl.
鉄鉢は禅宗で用いられる托鉢用の鉢です。
The iron bowl is a begging bowl used in Zen Buddhism.
A general term for 'bowl', but in Buddhist context it can refer to the alms bowl. Often used in compounds or when the context is clear.
A more descriptive compound meaning 'alms bowl'. Less common than 応量器 or 鉄鉢.
この托鉢鉢は古い寺院で見つかった。
This alms bowl was found in an old temple.
In Japan, mendicant monks (托鉢僧, たくはつそう) still practice alms rounds, standing silently with their bowls. The bowl is not just a container but a religious symbol of humility and dependence on lay support.
This term specifically refers to a Buddhist monk's alms bowl. For a generic bowl used by beggars, use 物乞いの鉢 (ものごいのはち) or simply describe the situation. Avoid literal translations like '乞食の僧侶の鉢' which sounds unnatural.
The mendicant monk held out his bowl.