noun
entering the priesthood; Buddhist monk; priest
Buddhist term for becoming a monk or the monk himself. Often used historically or in religious contexts.
彼は若くして入道し、一生を寺で過ごした。
He entered the priesthood at a young age and spent his life at the temple.
noun
man with a shaven head
Refers to a layperson with a shaved head, often resembling a monk. Can be used colloquially or descriptively.
その入道は、実は僧侶ではなく、ただの禿げた男だった。
That man with the shaven head was actually not a monk, just a bald man.
noun
bald-headed monster
Folklore or mythical creature, often depicted as a giant bald-headed monster. Appears in traditional tales like 大入道.
昔話に出てくる大入道は、大きな禿げ頭の化け物だ。
The ōnyūdō in old tales is a giant bald-headed monster.
From 入 (enter) + 道 (the way, Buddhism). Originally a Buddhist term for entering the monastic path.