WORD DETAIL
比丘尼
びくに
Examples
Included kanji
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: Written
比丘尼and readびくに, it denotes a woman ordained as a Buddhist monastic. - Basic usage: It is used for a nun speaking to a temple visitor and cleaning the main hall each morning.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Ordained nun rather than lay believer
- The word refers to a woman living the monastic vocation, not any female Buddhist follower.

