Definition

Noun: 1. A senior Buddhist monk; a venerable monk: A title and rank for a Buddhist monk who has achieved a high level of spiritual cultivation, discipline, and knowledge, typically ranking below a Most Venerable (Hoà thượng) in the Vietnamese Buddhist hierarchy. It denotes respect and seniority.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Thượng tọa Thích Minh Đức đang thuyết giảng tại chùa. (Venerable Monk Thích Minh Đức is giving a sermon at the pagoda.)
  • Các Phật tử rất kính trọng vị thượng tọa. (The Buddhists deeply respect the venerable monk.)
  • Lễ tấn phong thượng tọa được tổ chức long trọng. (The ceremony to confer the title of senior monk was held solemnly.)

Advanced Usage

• The title "Thượng tọa" is often used as a formal form of address, similar to "Venerable Sir." It is commonly combined with the monk's religious name (pháp danh), e.g., .
• In formal contexts or written documents, the term "thượng tọa" is always capitalized when referring to a specific individual: (Respectfully reporting to you, Venerable Sir).

Variants and Related Words

• Hoà thượng (noun): Most Venerable; a higher monastic rank than .
• Đại đức (noun): Venerable; a monastic rank often considered junior to .
• Sư (noun): A general term for a monk or priest.
• Tăng sĩ (noun): Buddhist clergy; monastic.

Synonyms

• Vị sư cao cấp (noun phrase): A high-ranking monk.
• Vị tăng cao tuổi hạ (noun phrase): A senior monk (emphasizing seniority in practice).

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "thượng tọa" is specific to the Buddhist religious context. It does not have secular meanings.
• The alternate spelling "thượng toạ" (with a "g") is also correct and used interchangeably, though "thượng tọa" is more common in modern usage.

noun

1. superior monk