tiểu thiền

Tiểu thiền đang quét sân chùa một cách chăm chỉ.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A humble or junior monk: A term used to refer to a monk, often emphasizing humility, youth, or a lower rank within the monastic order. It carries a modest or self-deprecating connotation.
   • A petty or insignificant monk: In some contexts, it can imply a monk of little importance or minor standing, reflecting the speaker's humility or criticism.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tôi chỉ là một tiểu thiền thôi. (I am just a humble monk.)
  • Vị tiểu thiền ấy mới vào chùa được một năm. (That junior monk has only been at the pagoda for a year.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is classical and literary, often found in older Vietnamese texts or used in a formal, self-effacing manner. It is not common in everyday modern speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Tiểu tăng (n): A synonym meaning a young or junior monk, also used with a humble tone.
  • Vị tiểu tăng đang quét sân chùa. (The young monk is sweeping the temple yard.)

Synonyms

• Junior monk: A monk who is younger or of lower seniority.
• Novice: A person who is new to monastic life.
• Humble monk: A monk speaking of themselves modestly.

Notes on Usage

• Tiểu thiền is an archaic term. In contemporary contexts, words like nhà sư, sư, or sư thầy are more commonly used for "monk."
• Its usage often reflects classical literature or a deliberately humble self-reference.