muni; Indian ascetic; sage
Refers to a muni, an Indian ascetic or sage, often used in Buddhist contexts. Honorific language (sonkeigo) when referring to such figures.
Shakyamuni is regarded as a great sage.
Specifically refers to the Buddha, often as part of the name 釈迦牟尼 (Shakyamuni). This sense is a specialized use of the term.
The teachings of the Buddha influenced many people.
Standard kanji spelling for the Buddhist term; the most common written form.
Kana spelling, used when the kanji are not needed or for clarity.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common than 牟尼.
Transliteration of Sanskrit 'muni', meaning sage or ascetic. The kanji 牟尼 are used phonetically (ateji) to represent the sound.