noun
row house built on a castle wall
Historical architectural term for long, narrow buildings constructed atop castle walls, used as living quarters or storage.
姫路城の多聞は、防御と居住を兼ねていた。
The row houses of Himeji Castle served both defense and living purposes.
noun
row houses surrounding a main residence
Refers to attached or adjacent row houses that encircle a principal dwelling, often in traditional or historical contexts.
武家屋敷では、多聞が主屋を取り囲むように建てられていた。
In samurai residences, row houses were built surrounding the main house.
noun
great knowledge of Buddhism
Buddhist term for extensive learning or erudition in Buddhist teachings; often used in titles or descriptions of learned monks.
彼は多聞の僧として知られ、多くの経典に通じていた。
He was known as a monk of great Buddhist learning, well-versed in many scriptures.
noun
Abbreviation of 多聞天 (Tamonten), one of the Four Heavenly Kings in Buddhism; used in religious contexts.
See also: 多聞天
多聞天は、しばしば「多聞」と略して呼ばれる。
Tamonten is often abbreviated as 'Tamon'.
Full name of the Buddhist deity; 多聞 is the abbreviated form used.
The kanji 多 (many) and 聞 (hear/learn) literally suggest 'hearing much' or 'widely learned,' which aligns with the Buddhist sense of great knowledge. The architectural senses likely derive from the idea of a long, continuous structure, but the exact historical derivation is uncertain.