Translation guide
In Japanese, 'sutras' refers to Buddhist scriptures. The most common term is お経 (o-kyō), used in everyday and religious contexts. More formal or specific terms exist for different contexts.
sutras
Most common term for Buddhist scriptures in daily life.
The learner wants to refer to Buddhist sutras in a general, everyday, or religious context.
The most common and polite way to refer to sutras in daily life, such as when chanting at a funeral or home altar. The prefix お adds politeness.
Every morning, my grandmother chants sutras.
A more neutral or technical term for sutras, often used in compound words or formal contexts. Without お, it can sound less polite or more academic.
Old sutras are preserved at this temple.
A formal term for Buddhist scriptures, often used in academic or religious contexts. It can refer to the canon or specific texts.
He is studying Buddhist scriptures.
Refers specifically to a sutra book or booklet used for chanting. Common in household Buddhist altars.
Open the sutra book and read.
The learner wants to refer to a particular sutra, such as the Heart Sutra or Lotus Sutra.
Most sutra names end with 経 (kyō). For example, the Heart Sutra is 般若心経 (Hannya Shingyō). Use the Japanese name of the sutra.
The Heart Sutra is a short sutra.
The learner wants to describe the act of chanting or reciting sutras.
お経 (o-kyō) is the everyday, polite term used in homes and temples. 経典 (kyōten) is more formal and academic, often referring to the canon or written scriptures.
Chant sutras at home.
Study the scriptures.
Adding お to 経 makes it polite and is standard in most situations. Dropping お can sound blunt or technical.