Definition

1. Noun:
   • The Buddhist clergy; Buddhist monks and nuns collectively: "Nhà chùa" refers to the collective body of people who have dedicated their lives to Buddhism, living in temples and following monastic rules. It emphasizes the institution and its members as a group.
   • A Buddhist monk or nun (less common, context-dependent): In specific contexts, it can refer to an individual member of the clergy, similar to "nhà sư" or "sư thầy/sư cô".

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Dân làng rất kính trọng nhà chùa. (The villagers deeply respect the Buddhist clergy.)
  • Việc này cần có ý kiến của nhà chùa. (This matter requires the opinion of the temple/the monastic community.)
  • Không nên làm phiền nhà chùa. (One should not bother the monks and nuns.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "nhà chùa" carries a tone of respect and formality when referring to the institution. It is more institutional than personal.
• It can be used metonymically to refer to the temple or monastery itself as an entity, representing its authority and community.

Variants and Related Words

• Chùa (n): Temple, pagoda. The physical place of worship.
• Nhà sư (n): Buddhist monk. A more direct term for an individual monk.
• Sư thầy (n): Venerable monk (a respectful term of address).
• Sư cô (n): Buddhist nun (a respectful term of address).
• Tăng đoàn (n): The Sangha; the community of Buddhist monks and nuns.

Synonyms

• Tăng ni: Monks and nuns (a formal term for the clergy).
• Giới tu hành (theo đạo Phật): The monastic community (following Buddhism).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Của nhà chùa: Belonging to the temple/monastery. This phrase is used to indicate that something is communal property of the temple or should be treated with care and respect, not for personal use.
  • Chiếc xe này là của nhà chùa, đừng sử dụng vào việc riêng. (This vehicle belongs to the temple, don't use it for personal matters.)

1. The Buddhist clergy, buddhist monk
   • Không dám quấy quả nhà chùa
     Not to dare trouble the buddhist clergy
   • Nhà chùa đi quyên giáo
     A Buddhist monk (bonze) is going on a collection