nun
On'yomi (音読み)
- ニ
Kun'yomi (訓読み)
- あま
About this kanji
The kanji 「尼」 primarily means "nun," referring to a woman who has devoted her life to religious service, often in Buddhism. This kanji is commonly used in compound words. For example, 「尼僧」(にそう) means "Buddhist nun." You will also encounter this kanji in words like 「尼羅」(ナイル), which stands for the Nile River, and even in place names like 「雪特尼」(シドニー), referring to Sydney, Australia. Although it is not used as a standalone verb, it remains an important kanji in names and religious contexts. Note that the readings can vary significantly depending on the compound, so it's good to familiarize yourself with these variations.
Example sentences
尼僧の教えを受けた。
I received teachings from a nun.
Meanings across languages
- English
- nun
- Tiếng Việt
- ni cô
- 日本語
- 尼, 修道女
- 한국어
- 수녀
- 中文
- 尼姑
- id
- biarawati
- th
- แม่ชี
- es
- monja
- fr
- nonne
- de
- Nonne
- pt
- freira
Common compounds
- 尼僧にそうBuddhist nun, Catholic nun, sister
- 尼羅ナイルNile (river)
- 雪特尼シドニーSydney (Australia)
- 突尼斯チュニジアTunisia
- 馬尼剌マニラManila (Philippines)
- 安母尼亜アンモニアammonia
- 尼加拉瓦ニカラグアNicaragua
- 印度尼西亜インドネシアIndonesia
Want to actually learn this kanji?
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