Definition

1. Noun:
   • A Buddhist monk's robe: A specific type of ceremonial outer robe worn by Buddhist monks and nuns, traditionally made from patches of cloth sewn together.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các nhà sư mặc áo cà sa trong buổi lễ. (The monks wear their robes during the ceremony.)
  • Chiếc cà sa màu vàng tượng trưng cho sự từ bỏ thế tục. (The yellow robe symbolizes renunciation of the worldly life.)

Advanced Usage

• The word cà sa is almost exclusively used in a Buddhist religious context. It is not a general term for any type of clothing.
• The proverb "Đi với Bụt mặc áo cà sa, đi với ma mặc áo giấy" uses cà sa metaphorically. It means "When with Buddha, wear a monk's robe; when with a ghost, wear paper clothes." This teaches adaptability and the wisdom of conforming to one's environment or company, similar to the English idiom "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."

Variants and Related Words

• Áo cà sa: This is the most common form, where áo (clothing) specifies the item, and cà sa specifies the type. It is often used interchangeably with cà sa alone.
• Y phục nhà sư / Áo nhà sư: A more general descriptive phrase meaning "monk's clothing/robe."

Synonyms

• Monk's robe / Buddhist robe: The direct English translation.
• Kasaya: The Sanskrit/Pali term from which cà sa is derived.

Related Idioms

• Đi với Bụt mặc áo cà sa, đi với ma mặc áo giấy: As explained above, this is the primary and most famous idiom containing the word cà sa.

noun

1. (Buddhist monk's) frock
   • đi với bụt mặc áo cà sa, đi với ma mặc áo giấy
     when with Buddha, he puts on a frock, when with a ghost, he dons a paper dress; when in Rome, do as the Romans do