Translation guide
A monk is a man who is a member of a religious order, typically living in a monastery. In Japanese contexts, this usually refers to Buddhist monks, but can also refer to Christian monks. The most common and general term is 僧侶 (そうりょ).
To refer to a Buddhist monk in a general or formal context.
The most common and neutral term for a Buddhist monk. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
彼は僧侶になるために修行している。
He is training to become a monk.
A polite and friendly term for a Buddhist monk, often used in everyday conversation. The prefix お adds politeness.
お坊さんがお経を読んでいる。
The monk is chanting sutras.
A more casual term for a Buddhist monk, similar to 'monk' but can be slightly less formal than お坊さん. Use with care as it can sound blunt.
あの坊さんは托鉢をしている。
That monk is begging for alms.
A more formal or literary term for a Buddhist monk, often used in compound words or written language.
高僧の教えを聞く。
Listen to the teachings of a high-ranking monk.
To refer to a Buddhist monk with a specific title or role.
The head priest or chief monk of a temple. This is a specific role, not a general term for any monk.
この寺の住職はとても親切だ。
The head monk of this temple is very kind.
A monk in training, an apprentice monk. Emphasizes the ascetic practice aspect.
A wandering monk, especially in Zen Buddhism. Literally 'clouds and water', evoking a life of wandering.
To refer to a Christian monk, such as a Catholic or Orthodox monk.
The standard term for a Christian monk. It specifically refers to a male member of a monastic order.
その修道士は修道院で祈りを捧げている。
The monk is offering prayers at the monastery.
Another term for a Christian monk, less common than 修道士 but still used.
To refer to a monk in a non-Buddhist, non-Christian context, or as a generic term.
Can be used generically for a monk of any religion, though it most often implies Buddhism. Context clarifies.
彼はヒンドゥー教の僧になった。
He became a Hindu monk.
A person engaged in religious training or ascetic practices, not necessarily a monk but often used for those living a monastic life.
その修行者は山にこもった。
The ascetic secluded himself in the mountains.
僧侶 is the most neutral and can be used in any situation. お坊さん is polite and friendly, suitable for everyday conversation. 坊さん is casual and can be slightly disrespectful if used inappropriately; it's often used among close acquaintances or when speaking about monks in a familiar way.
In English, 'monk' can sometimes be used loosely for any religious ascetic. In Japanese, the specific term depends on the religion and role. Using 僧侶 for a Christian monk would be understood but is not precise; use 修道士 instead.
修行僧たちは毎朝早く起きる。
The apprentice monks wake up early every morning.
雲水が托鉢に来た。
A wandering monk came to beg for alms.
修道僧たちは沈黙の誓いを立てている。
The monks have taken a vow of silence.