noun
pious men and women; the faithful
Buddhist term referring to devout lay followers, both male and female. Often used in a collective sense for the religious community.
善男善女が寺に集まり、説法を聞いた。
Pious men and women gathered at the temple to listen to the sermon.
A yojijukugo composed of 善 (good, virtuous), 男 (man), 善 (good, virtuous), and 女 (woman), literally 'good men and good women'. The term originates from Buddhist scriptures, where it refers to devout lay followers.