phật tử
[fət̚˧˨ʔ tɨ˧˩]
The English word "buddhist" is translated into Vietnamese as phật tử.
The term refers to a follower of Buddha.
Meaning: follower of Buddha (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of phật, meaning Buddha and tử, which is a suffix denoting a person or a follower/child of a concept.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the person and the religion: use phật tử to refer to the person or follower, and use phật giáo to refer to the religion of Buddhism itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun phật tử is used for both singular and plural forms without changing its spelling.
Did you know?
- Vietnamese Buddhism often blends with local folk beliefs, meaning a phật tử might also maintain an ancestral altar that incorporates Taoist or Confucian elements.
- The phrase phật tử is a Sino-Vietnamese term, meaning it was borrowed from Chinese. This reflects the historical spread of Buddhism into Vietnam via China rather than directly from India.
- In Vietnam, the term phật tử describes a layperson who practices Buddhism, while a monk or nun is typically called a tăng or ni.
Examples in context
- Tôi là một phật tửI am a Buddhist
- Anh ấy là người theo đạo Phật.He is a Buddhist.
- Vâng, anh ấy là một phật tử tận tâm.Yes, he is a dedicated Buddhist.
- Các phật tử đang cầu nguyện.The Buddhists are praying.
- Tôi muốn trở thành một phật tử.I want to become a Buddhist.
Example conversation
Chi and Minh are talking about their beliefs.
- ChiMinh, bạn có theo tôn giáo nào không?Minh, do you follow any religion?
- MinhMình là một phật tử, Chi ạ.I am a Buddhist, Chi.
- ChiVậy bạn có thường đi chùa không?Then do you often go to the pagoda?
- MinhMình đi chùa vào mỗi ngày rằm.I go to the pagoda every full moon day.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry Phật tử.
