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.
彼女は修道女になるために修道院に入った。
She entered a convent to become a nun.
Commonly used for Catholic nuns, borrowed from English 'sister'. Often used as a title.
A more formal or literary term for a Buddhist or Christian nun. Can be ambiguous.
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.
シスター・マリアは病院で働いています。
Sister Maria works at a hospital.
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.
尼僧たちは朝早くから読経を始める。
The nuns start chanting sutras early in the morning.
Specific Buddhist term for a fully ordained nun. Technical.
比丘尼は戒律を守る。
A bhikkhuni observes the precepts.