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和尚 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
和尚héshangBuddhist monkHSK 7, unknown, 16 strokes, rank #9848, Very Hard
héshang(he2shang5) T2
  1. 1Buddhist monk
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March 24, 2026

和尚héshang(he2shang5)

和尚 (hé shàng) refers to a Buddhist monk, typically one who has renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual practice. This term is used in contexts relating to Buddhism, meditation, and temple life, often highlighting the monk's role in teaching and guiding others in spiritual matters.

Strokes16Frequency#9848DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, monks play a vital role in preserving Buddhist teachings and traditions. They often participate in community ceremonies and festivals, emphasizing the importance of spirituality in daily life.

Memory Tip

Imagine a monk in a serene temple, dressed in robes, meditating under a tree. The character 和 (hé) looks like two people together in harmony, which connects to the peaceful nature of a monk, while 尚 (shàng) suggests something esteemed or elevated, reflecting the respect held for monks in society.

Meanings of 和尚

héshang(he2shang5)
1Buddhist monk
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About 和尚

和尚Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 和尚

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Podcast: 和尚

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AI Study Notes for 和尚

Quick Contrast

僧人 (sēngrén) vs 和尚 (héshang): use 和尚 for a monk specifically associated with Buddhist practices, while 僧人 can refer to monks in a broader context.

Usage Notes

Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 和尚; using the wrong tone can lead to confusion with other words. This term is generally used in more formal or religious contexts, and learners should avoid using it casually. Common collocations include '和尚在寺庙' (the monk is in the temple).

HSK Study Tips

和尚 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists but is relevant for learners interested in Buddhism or cultural studies. Students at this level should focus on understanding the cultural significance and contexts in which this term is used.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 和尚 with 僧人, using them interchangeably. It's important to remember that 和尚 is more informal, while 僧人 is more formal. For example, saying '我见到一个和尚' (I saw a monk) is fine, but in a formal context, you should say '我见到一位僧人' (I saw a monk).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 和尚

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Component Characters

和hésoft
HSK 18 strokes口
View full entry
尚shàngstill
HSK 78 strokes⺌
View full entry

How to say Buddhist monk in Chinese

“Buddhist monk” in Chinese is和尚héshang

和尚 (hé shàng) refers to a Buddhist monk, typically one who has renounced worldly life to pursue spiritual practice. This term is used in contexts relating to Buddhism, meditation, and temple life, often highlighting the monk's role in teaching and guiding others in spiritual matters.

When to use 和尚

Be mindful of the tone when pronouncing 和尚; using the wrong tone can lead to confusion with other words. This term is generally used in more formal or religious contexts, and learners should avoid using it casually. Common collocations include '和尚在寺庙' (the monk is in the temple).

和尚 or something close to it

僧人 (sēngrén) vs 和尚 (héshang): use 和尚 for a monk specifically associated with Buddhist practices, while 僧人 can refer to monks in a broader context.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 和尚 with 僧人, using them interchangeably. It's important to remember that 和尚 is more informal, while 僧人 is more formal. For example, saying '我见到一个和尚' (I saw a monk) is fine, but in a formal context, you should say '我见到一位僧人' (I saw a monk).

Write 和尚

和
尚

Practice writing 和尚 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 和尚

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

The role of monks in Chinese Buddhism often contrasts with Western religious figures, who may lead congregations but typically do not renounce worldly life to the same extent as Buddhist monks.

Frequently Asked Questions about 和尚

和尚 (hé shàng) is often used informally to refer to monks, whereas 僧人 (sēng rén) is a more formal term for a monk, typically used in legal or official contexts.

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