thầy tu

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The Vietnamese word "thầy tu" refers to a priest or monk. It is used to describe a person who has devoted their life to religious service, particularly within Buddhism or other spiritual traditions. Here’s a more detailed breakdown to help you understand the word better:

Basic Definition

• "thầy tu": noun
  • Meaning: A person who practices a religious life, often living in a monastery or temple and adhering to strict spiritual rules.

Usage Instructions

• "thầy tu" can be used to refer to both monks and priests in a general sense.
• It is often used in conversations about religion, spirituality, or when discussing someone’s vocation within a religious context.

Examples

1. Basic Example:

   • "Thầy tu sống trong chùa."
   • (Translation: "The monk lives in the temple.")

2. In a sentence:

   • "Khi tôi đi chùa, tôi đã gặp một thầy tu rất hiền lành."
   • (Translation: "When I went to the temple, I met a very kind monk.")

Advanced Usage

• Cultural Context: In Vietnamese culture, "thầy tu" is respected and often seen as a person who provides guidance and wisdom to the community. They may also perform rituals and ceremonies.
• Formal Context: You might see "thầy tu" used in formal discussions about Buddhism or in literature that addresses religious themes.

Word Variants

• Thầy: This word means "teacher" and can be used in various contexts, such as "thầy giáo" (male teacher) or "thầy thuốc" (doctor).
• Tu: The verb "tu" means to practice or follow a particular discipline, especially in a religious sense.

Different Meanings

While "thầy tu" primarily refers to monks or priests, it can sometimes be used metaphorically to describe someone who is deeply devoted to a cause or principle, not necessarily religious.

Synonyms

• Sư: This word is often used to refer specifically to Buddhist monks and can show a higher level of respect.
• Nhà tu: This is another term that means "monk" or "ascetic," emphasizing the lifestyle of one who renounces worldly pursuits for spiritual goals.

Academic

noun

1. priest, monk