Definition

1. Noun:
   • A young Buddhist nun: "Sư cô" refers to a woman who has been ordained as a Buddhist nun, typically implying a younger age or a junior status within the monastic community. It is a respectful term of address and reference.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Sư cô đang tụng kinh trong chánh điện. (The young nun is chanting sutras in the main hall.)
  • Chúng tôi xin phép hỏi ý kiến của sư cô. (We would like to ask for the young nun's opinion.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "sư cô" is considered somewhat less common in modern usage than "ni cô." It carries a nuance of respect for a nun who may be younger or newer in her ordination.
  • Dù là sư cô mới xuất gia, cô ấy rất nghiêm túc tu học. (Although she is a newly ordained young nun, she is very serious about her practice.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ni cô (Noun): A more common and standard term for a Buddhist nun. It is synonymous with "sư cô."
  • Các ni cô đang đi khất thực. (The nuns are going on alms round.)
• Sư (Noun): A general term for a monk or a monastic teacher. Can be used as a prefix or standalone.
• Ni sư (Noun): A term for a senior nun, a nun who is a teacher or has higher standing.
  • Ni sư thuyết pháp rất hay. (The senior nun gives excellent Dharma talks.)

Synonyms

• Buddhist nun: The direct English translation for "ni cô" or "sư cô."
• Bhikkhuni: The Pali term for a fully ordained female monastic in Theravada Buddhism.

Related Phrases

• Xuất gia làm sư cô: To ordain and become a Buddhist nun.
  • Cô ấy quyết định xuất gia làm sư cô. (She decided to ordain and become a Buddhist nun.)

1. (ít dùng) như ni cô