尼僧|にそうnisou[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounBuddhist nun
2. nounCatholic nun; sister
   尼僧にそうはお祈いのりをして十字じゅうじを切きった。↗

   The nun prayed and crossed herself.

• SynonymあまNeutralCommon word for a nun — in speech, 「尼さん」. Also used broadly for nuns of other religions, such as sisters. 「尼僧」 is more formal.
• Synonym尼法師あまほうしWrittenArchaic word for a woman who has left home for Buddhist practice, seen mostly in classical texts; modern usage is 「尼僧」.
• Synonym女僧WrittenWritten-style word for a woman who has entered Buddhist orders; rare — 「尼僧」 or 「尼さん」 is what people normally say.
• Synonym尼君FormalArchaic honorific for a nun, found mainly in classical literature.
• Synonym尼御前FormalArchaic honorific for a nun, seen chiefly in classical literature.
• Synonym尼公FormalArchaic honorific for a nun, seen in historical writing; today one says 「尼僧」 or 「尼さん」.
• Related修道尼しゅうどうにNeutralRefers specifically to a woman living under vows in a Christian convent; 「尼僧」 is mainly for Buddhist nuns.
• Related修道女しゅうどうじょNeutralA Christian nun; in fairly common use. 「尼僧」 usually means a Buddhist nun.

Buddhist nuns are usually 「尼」 or 「尼さん」 in everyday speech, with 「尼僧」 as the formal word; Christian nuns are 「修道女」 or 「シスター」. 「尼君」「尼御前」「尼公」 are archaic honorifics from classical and historical texts.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 女性じょせいの出家しゅっけした仏教徒ぶっきょうと。比丘尼びくに。尼に。