Translation guide
A nun is a woman who has taken religious vows and lives in a convent or monastery. In Japanese, the term depends on the religion and context.
Referring to a Catholic or Christian nun
Standard term for a Christian nun, especially in Catholicism.
Referring to a Buddhist nun
General term for a Buddhist nun. Often used in compounds.
修道女 (shuudoujo) is specifically for Christian nuns, while 尼 (ama) is for Buddhist nuns. Using the wrong term can cause confusion.
In English, 'nun' can refer to any female monastic, but in Japanese, the term must match the religious context. Do not assume a single word covers all cases.
She entered a convent to become a nun.
Commonly used for Catholic nuns, borrowed from English 'sister'. Often used as a title.
Sister Maria works at a hospital.
A more formal or literary term for a Buddhist or Christian nun. Can be ambiguous.
The nun offered a prayer.
彼女は尼として寺で暮らしている。
She lives in a temple as a nun.
Formal term for a Buddhist nun. Also used for Christian nuns in literary contexts.
The nuns start chanting sutras early in the morning.
Specific Buddhist term for a fully ordained nun. Technical.
A bhikkhuni observes the precepts.