Definition

1. Noun:
   • A middle-ranking female Buddhist monastic: "sư thầy" refers to a woman who has taken vows and lives according to Buddhist monastic discipline, specifically at a mid-level rank within the monastic hierarchy.
   • A Buddhist nun (with a specific rank connotation): While it can be translated generally as "nun," the term specifically indicates a nun who is not a novice but has not yet reached the highest seniority levels.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sư thầy đang tụng kinh trong chính điện. (The middle-ranking female bonze is chanting sutras in the main hall.)
  • Các sư thầy trong tu viện rất nghiêm túc tu hành. (The nuns in the monastery practice their faith very diligently.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "sư thầy" is specific to Vietnamese Buddhist context and carries a nuance of respect for a nun's specific standing. It is less generic than the simple word "ni cô" (novice nun) or "ni sư" (venerable nun/senior nun).
• It is often used within the monastic community and by lay followers to address or refer to these practitioners respectfully.

Variants and Related Words

• Ni cô (n): A novice nun or a general term for a young nun.
• Ni sư (n): A venerable nun, a senior nun, or a nun who is a teacher/master.
• Sư cô (n): Another term for a nun, often used for a younger or junior nun.
• Tỳ kheo ni (n): A fully ordained (female monk) in Theravada Buddhism, which is a specific high ordination status.

Synonyms

• Female bonze: A formal term for a Buddhist nun.
• Buddhist nun: The general English equivalent.

Related Phrases / Compound Terms

• Sư thầy trụ trì: The abbess (the nun in charge of a nunnery).
  • Sư thầy trụ trì rất đức độ. (The abbess is very virtuous.)

Related Idioms

• : (Idiom) To respect the teacher and revere the doctrine. This idiom underscores the cultural importance of respecting monastic figures, including "sư thầy."

1. Middle-ranking female bonze