Monk in Japanese
"monk" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
僧
so
4 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "monk". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
僧 is a Buddhist monk. 侶 is a companion, and 僧侶 is the formal word for clergy. 坊 is a familiar word for a monk and also a boy. 禅 is Zen, the school rather than the person.
Top pick
Buddhist priest, monk
Reading: sou
13 strokes · spiritual
Where it comes from
Composed of person and once. Person from past.
What it carries
Monk, monastery, priesthood. Represents monk.
Related kanji for "monk"
monk
ryo · peaceful
Combines 'person' (亻) with 'spine/connected' (呂), representing people going together—companions or partners.
monk
bou · spiritual
Composed of earth and direction. Direction earth.
monk
zen · peaceful, wisdom
Composed of altar and single. Meditating with single mind.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for monk?
The most common kanji for "monk" is 僧, read as sou. It means Buddhist priest, monk. Related kanji: 侶 (monk), 坊 (monk), 禅 (monk).
How many strokes does 僧 have?
僧 has 13 strokes.