1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “僧” (sō) refers to a Buddhist monk or priest. It embodies the concept of a person who has dedicated their life to religious practices and spiritual pursuits within Buddhism.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “僧” is a phonetic-ideographic character (形声文字). It combines the radical for “person” (亻) with the phonetic component “僧,” which suggests its pronunciation and relates to the meaning of a person engaged in religious life.
Radical: The radical of “僧” is 亻, which indicates that it is related to a person or human being.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 僧侶 (sōryo) – monk, priest
- 僧院 (sōin) – monastery
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- 彼は僧侶としての生活を選びました。 (Kare wa sōryo to shite no seikatsu o erabimashita.) – He chose a life as a monk.
- その僧院は美しい庭があります。 (Sono sōin wa utsukushii niwa ga arimasu.) – That monastery has a beautiful garden.
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 修行者 (shugyōsha) – practitioner, someone who is training in a spiritual or religious context.
Opposite Meaning Kanji:
- 俗人 (zokujin) – layperson, someone who is not involved in religious life.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “僧” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, where Buddhism has played a significant role in shaping spiritual and philosophical thought. Monks are often seen as spiritual guides and are respected figures in society.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 「僧が道を説く」 (Sō ga michi o toku) – A monk teaches the way, indicating that wisdom can come from those who have dedicated their lives to spiritual pursuits.