Definition

1. Noun:
   • A female Buddhist monastic; a Buddhist nun: "Sư nữ" refers to a woman who has been ordained and lives a monastic life according to Buddhist principles, dedicating herself to religious practice, study, and community service within a temple or pagoda.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Vị sư nữ ấy đã tu hành tại ngôi chùa này hơn hai mươi năm. (That Buddhist nun has been practicing at this pagoda for over twenty years.)
  • Các sư nữ thường dành thời gian buổi sáng cho việc tụng kinh. (Buddhist nuns often spend their morning time chanting sutras.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "sư nữ" is a formal and respectful title. It is used similarly to how "nun" is used in English, specifically within the context of Buddhism.
• In Vietnamese Buddhist communities, the title is often used directly before or in place of a name as a form of address, showing respect for her spiritual commitment.

Variants and Related Words

• Ni cô (Noun): Another common term for a Buddhist nun, often used interchangeably with "sư nữ." It may sometimes imply a slightly less formal or younger nun.
• Ni sư (Noun): A term showing higher respect, often used for an elder nun, a teacher, or one in a senior position within the monastic community.
• Tu nữ (Noun): A more general term meaning a female religious practitioner, which can sometimes be used for nuns in Buddhism or other traditions.

Synonyms

• Buddhist nun: The direct English equivalent.
• Female monastic: A formal term emphasizing the monastic lifestyle.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Xuất gia làm sư nữ: To leave home to become a Buddhist nun.
  • Cô ấy quyết định xuất gia làm sư nữ sau một thời gian dài tìm hiểu đạo Phật. (She decided to leave home and become a Buddhist nun after a long period of studying Buddhism.)

1. Female bonze, Buddhist nun