佛
fat⁶
In Cantonese, the English phrase "buddha" is translated as 佛 (fat⁶).
佛 refers to an enlightened human.
Meaning: enlightened human (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 佛 is the standard term, there are other ways to refer to the Buddha as a spiritual and philosophical teacher. 佛陀 is a formal way to refer to the Buddha, and 佛祖 is a formal and respectful way to refer to the Buddha. Additionally, 浮屠 can also be used to refer to him.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
fat⁶
Did you know?
- The Cantonese term 佛 is used in the common idiom 佛系, which describes a modern lifestyle of letting go and remaining indifferent to the outcome of things.
- In Cantonese, if you describe someone as having a 'Buddha face' or 佛相, you are noting their serene, kind, and compassionate physical appearance.
- Cantonese speakers may refer to a 'laughing buddha' as 彌勒佛, who is seen as a symbol of contentment and wealth rather than just austerity.
Examples in context
- 大佛像Big Buddha statue.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a statue they saw at a museum.
- 志強 Chi Keung呢尊佛像睇落好莊嚴。ni zoun fat zoeng tai lok hou zong jim.This Buddha statue looks very solemn.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting係呀，佛代表緊覺悟同慈悲。hai aa, fat doi bi jin gok ngou tung ci bei.Yes, the Buddha represents enlightenment and compassion.
- 志強 Chi Keung你想唔想喺呢度坐一陣？nei soeng m soeng hai ni dou zo jat zan?Do you want to sit here for a while?
- 雅婷 Nga Ting好啊，我想要啲平靜。hou aa, ngo soeng jiu di ping zing.Sure, I want some peace.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “buddha” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
