Definition

1. Noun:
   • Donor / Benefactor: A person, particularly in a Buddhist context, who gives alms, money, or offerings to monks, nuns, or the needy as a meritorious act.
   • Patron: A supporter of a temple or religious cause through charitable contributions.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Các thí chủ đã cúng dường thức ăn cho chùa. (The donors offered food to the pagoda.)
  • Nhà sư cầu nguyện cho sức khỏe của các thí chủ. (The monk prayed for the health of the benefactors.)
  • Thí chủ nào cũng mong muốn tích đức. (Every patron wishes to accumulate merit.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is used almost exclusively by Buddhist clergy or in religious contexts to respectfully refer to lay supporters. It carries a tone of gratitude and reverence.
• It implies a spiritual relationship where the act of giving () by the donor () supports the religious community and, in turn, generates merit for the donor.

Variants and Related Words

• Ân nhân (n): Benefactor, patron (a more general, secular term).
  • Ông ấy là ân nhân cứu mạng tôi. (He is the benefactor who saved my life.)
• Người bố thí (n): Almsgiver, person who gives alms.
  • Người bố thí thường được kính trọng. (Almsgivers are often respected.)
• Phật tử (n): Buddhist devotee or follower (a broader term for a lay Buddhist).
  • Các Phật tử thường xuyên đến chùa lễ bái. (Buddhist devotees regularly visit the pagoda to worship.)

Synonyms

• Donor: A person who gives something, especially money, to a cause.
• Benefactor: A person who gives financial or other aid.
• Patron: A person who supports with money, gifts, or efforts.
• Almsgiver: A person who gives alms.

Related Idioms

• Làm phúc, làm thí: To do charitable deeds, to give alms.
  • Cụ già thường xuyên làm phúc giúp người nghèo. (The old man often does charitable deeds to help the poor.)
• Cúng dường: To make offerings (specifically in a religious context).
  • Gia đình thành tâm cúng dường Tam Bảo. (The family sincerely makes offerings to the Three Jewels.)