なんまんだぶ

expression

colloquial nembutsu; I take refuge in Amitabha Buddha

A colloquial, often humorous or light-hearted version of the Buddhist nembutsu 南無阿弥陀仏 (なむあみだぶつ). Used in everyday speech to express surprise, resignation, or a mock-pious appeal, rather than in formal religious contexts.

See also: 南無阿弥陀仏 (なむあみだぶつ)

• なんまんだぶ、なんまんだぶ、と唱となえながら歩あるくお坊ぼうさんの真似まねをした。

  He imitated a monk walking while chanting 'Namu Amida Butsu, Namu Amida Butsu' in a casual way.

• 財さい布ふを落おとしたとき、思おもわず「なんまんだぶ」とつぶやいた。

  When I dropped my wallet, I couldn't help but mutter 'Lord have mercy' in a half-joking tone.