ác tăng

Một ác tăng đứng trước một ngôi chùa cổ.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Wicked monk / Evil monk: A term, often archaic or literary, used to describe a Buddhist monk who is malevolent, cruel, or morally corrupt, violating the precepts and ideals of monastic life.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Truyện cổ thường có nhân vật ác tăng. (Folk tales often feature the character of an evil monk.)
  • Hắn cải trang thành một ác tăng để lừa dân làng. (He disguised himself as a wicked monk to deceive the villagers.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ác tăng" is primarily found in historical narratives, literary works, or folktales. It contrasts sharply with the virtuous image of a monk, emphasizing hypocrisy or hidden villainy.

Variants and Related Words

• Ác (adj): wicked, evil, cruel.
• Tăng (noun): monk, Buddhist monk (Sangha member).
• Tăng ác (noun): a less common variant with the same meaning (evil monk).

Synonyms

• Evil monk
• Wicked monk
• Malevolent monk

Related Idioms

• While "ác tăng" is itself a specific term, it relates to the broader concept of "ác nhân" (evil person) or "giả nhân giả nghĩa" (hypocrite), especially one hiding behind a sacred robe.