thí chủ
Definition
- 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.)