坊さん
Meanings
1
familiar languagehonorific or respectful (sonkeigo)
A familiar but respectful everyday term for a Buddhist priest or monk. It is less formal than 僧侶 and often less polite than お坊さん.
See also: お坊さん
We called a Buddhist priest for the funeral.
The monk at the temple chants sutras every morning.
2
familiar language
Familiar use for a boy, especially as a casual address. It can sound old-fashioned, rustic, or gently teasing depending on context.
"Boy, are you lost?" the old man called out.
Usage patterns
- 〈場所〉の坊さんthe monk of a certain temple/place
I consulted the monk at the temple near my house.
- 坊さんを呼ぶto call/summon a monk (for a funeral or ceremony)
We called a monk for the funeral.
- 坊さんになるto become a monk
He became a monk when he was young.