僧

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 僧 is read そう and means a Buddhist monk.
• Basic usage: It is used for a traveling monk staying at a temple or monks entering its main hall.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Expressions and register
  • 僧 and 僧侶(そうりょ) refer to Buddhist monks. Everyday conversation also uses the familiar, polite expression お坊さん(おぼうさん).