Translation guide
A monastery is a religious community where monks live, work, and worship. In Japanese, the term depends on the religion (Buddhist or Christian) and the specific type of institution. For Buddhist contexts, common words include 寺院 (jiin) for a general temple, 僧院 (sōin) for a monastery specifically, and 修道院 (shūdōin) which can also refer to Christian monasteries. For Christian monasteries, 修道院 (shūdōin) is standard. Note that 寺 (tera) is a general word for a Buddhist temple, not necessarily a monastery.
A Buddhist religious community where monks reside and practice.
Directly means 'monastery' in a Buddhist context. Refers to the living quarters and community of monks.
He is training at a monastery.
A general term for a Buddhist temple, which may include a monastery. Often used for larger temple complexes.
Many monks live in that temple.
Common word for a Buddhist temple. Not specifically a monastery, but often used in everyday speech.
I visited an old temple.
Primarily used for Christian monasteries, but can occasionally refer to Buddhist monastic communities, especially in a comparative or academic context.
Buddhist monasteries also exist.
A Christian religious community where monks or nuns live a cloistered life.
寺 (tera) is the most common word for a Buddhist temple, but it doesn't necessarily imply a residential community of monks. 寺院 (jiin) is more formal and often refers to the institution or building complex. 僧院 (sōin) specifically means a monastery where monks live and practice. Use 僧院 when you want to emphasize the monastic aspect.
While 修道院 can be used for Buddhist monasteries in some contexts, it is overwhelmingly associated with Christianity. For Buddhist monasteries, prefer 僧院 or 寺院 to avoid confusion.
中世のキリスト教僧院
medieval Christian monastery