già lam
Definition
Noun: 1. Pagoda; Buddhist temple: A term, often used in classical or literary contexts, to refer to a Buddhist temple or monastery. It carries a connotation of an ancient, venerable, and peaceful place of worship. 2. Buddhist monk (archaic): An archaic usage referring to a Buddhist monk or the monastic community.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Pagoda):
- Tiếng chuông già lam vang vọng trong buổi chiều tà. (The sound of the pagoda bell echoed in the late afternoon.)
- Khu rừng phía sau lưng ngôi già lam cổ kính này rất yên tĩnh. (The forest behind this ancient pagoda is very peaceful.)
- Noun (Monk - archaic): This usage is rare in modern Vietnamese.
- Các già lam đang tụng kinh. (The monks are chanting sutras.) (This sentence would sound literary or archaic.)
Advanced Usage
- The word "già lam" is primarily found in poetry, classical literature, historical texts, or formal/descriptive writing to evoke a sense of antiquity, serenity, and spiritual depth. In everyday conversation, words like "chùa" or "thiền viện" are more commonly used for "pagoda" or "temple."
Variants and Related Words
- Chùa (n): The standard, common word for a Buddhist pagoda or temple.
- Thiền viện (n): A Zen monastery; a temple specifically for Zen Buddhist practice.
- Tu viện (n): A monastery or convent (can be used for Buddhist or other religions).
- Sư (n): A general term for a Buddhist monk.
- Tăng (n): The monastic community (Sangha).
Synonyms
- Chùa chiền (n): Pagodas and temples (plural, general term).
- Phật điện (n): Buddhist sanctuary (literary).
- Bảo sát (n): Precious temple/monastery (literary, poetic).
Related Phrases / Idioms
- Cửa già lam: The gate of the pagoda; a poetic way to refer to entering monastic life or a place of Buddhist practice.
- Anh ấy đã quy y cửa Phật, bước vào cửa già lam. (He took refuge in the Buddha, stepping through the gate of the pagoda.)
noun
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pagoda
