1. Kanji Breakdown: 僧
This kanji represents a specific religious figure in Buddhism.
Meaning: Buddhist priest, monk.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ソウ (sou)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (亻): This is the "person" radical (にんべん).
Right (曽): This component means "formerly" or "ever," and it primarily provides the sound ("sou").
The character originally comes from the transliteration of the Sanskrit word "sangha" (संघ), which refers to the community of Buddhist monks and nuns. Thus, the character represents a "person (亻)" who belongs to this "sangha (曽)" community.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "僧" has 13 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 13
Start with the left radical "亻" (person radical):
Then, write the right part "曽":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "亻" is narrow.
The right part "曽" is complex. Break it down into the top (丷), middle (田), and bottom (日) components.
The overall character should be balanced and upright.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "僧" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
僧 (そう, sou)
Meaning: Buddhist priest, monk.
Example: 山寺で僧が読経している。
Romaji: Yamadera de sou ga dokyō shite iru.
English: A Buddhist priest is chanting sutras at the mountain temple.
僧侶 (そうりょ, sōryo)
Meaning: Buddhist priest, clergy (a more formal term than 僧).
Example: 僧侶になるには厳しい修行が必要だ。
Romaji: Sōryo ni naru ni wa kibishii shugyō ga hitsuyō da.
English: To become a Buddhist priest, one needs rigorous training.
高僧 (こうそう, kōsō)
Meaning: High priest, esteemed Buddhist monk.
例文: あの方はこの地方で有名な高僧です。
Romaji: Ano kata wa kono chihō de yūmei na kōsō desu.
English: That person is a famous high priest in this region.
僧院 (そういん, sōin)
Meaning: Monastery, cloister.
Example: その僧院は8世紀に建てられた。
Romaji: Sono sōin wa hachi-seiki ni taterareta.
English: That monastery was built in the 8th century.
修行僧 (しゅぎょうそう, shugyōsō)
Meaning: Ascetic monk, a monk in training.
Example: 修行僧たちが山で厳しい修行に励んでいる。
Romaji: Shugyōsō-tachi ga yama de kibishii shugyō ni hagende iru.
English: Ascetic monks are undergoing rigorous training in the mountains.
Summary
Kanji: 僧
Core Meaning: Buddhist Priest, Monk.
Readings: On'yomi ソウ (sou)
Stroke Order: 13 strokes. Remember it's composed of 亻 (person) and 曽 (sound for "sangha").
This kanji is essential for vocabulary related to Buddhism and temple life in Japan. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this character that is deeply connected to Japanese religious culture.