仁王
Meanings
1
Nio; Deva kings; guardian gods of Buddhism
Refers to the two wrathful guardian deities (Agyō and Ungyō) placed at temple gates. Often seen in the phrase 仁王立ち (standing with arms akimbo like a Nio statue).
Statues of the two Deva kings stand on either side of the temple gate.
He was waiting for us standing with his arms folded like a Nio statue.
Usage patterns
- 仁王のような顔をするto make a fierce, scowling face (like a Nio statue)
When my father gets angry, he makes a fierce face like a Nio statue.
Expressions
- 仁王立ちになるstand tall and intimidatingly; strike a daunting pose