Definition

1. Noun:
   • Temple guardian: A man who is responsible for taking care of and overseeing worship activities at a temple.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Ông từ đang quét dọn sân đền. (The temple guardian is sweeping the temple courtyard.)
  • Chúng tôi hỏi thăm ông từ về lịch sử của ngôi đền. (We asked the temple guardian about the history of the temple.)

Advanced Usage

• The term specifically refers to a male caretaker. The role involves duties such as maintaining the temple grounds, assisting with rituals, and often being a knowledgeable source about the temple.

Variants and Related Words

• Từ (Noun): An archaic or literary term for a temple guardian or custodian. "Ông từ" is the more common, specific form.
• Thủ từ (Noun): A synonym meaning "temple keeper" or "sacristan."
• Bà từ (Noun): The female equivalent, referring to a woman who performs similar duties at a temple.

Synonyms

• Temple keeper
• Sacristan (especially in a Buddhist context)
• Custodian (of a temple)

Notes on Meaning

• The word is a compound of "ông" (a respectful term for an elderly man or mister) and "từ" (guardian/custodian, specifically of a place of worship). It is a formal and respectful term for the position.
• It is primarily used in the context of Vietnamese folk religion, Buddhism, or other traditional places of worship like đình (communal houses) or đền (temples).

1. Temple guardian