头陀
How to Say
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How to Write
Meaning: ascetic monk
How to Understand
头陀
头陀 (tóu tuó) refers to a wandering ascetic monk in Buddhist tradition, known for practicing extreme austerity and spiritual discipline. It is distinct from regular monks who live in monasteries, as 头陀 monks often travel and live without permanent residence.
The character 头 (tóu) means 'head' or 'top,' while 陀 (tuó) is a phonetic component with no independent meaning. Together, they form a term associated with the ascetic lifestyle of early Buddhist practitioners.
头陀 is rarely used in modern Chinese and is mostly found in historical or religious contexts. It is sometimes translated as 'holy beggar' or 'wandering monk,' and it reflects deep cultural and spiritual values in traditional Chinese Buddhism.
Example Sentences
他选择成为一名头陀，过着简朴的生活。
He chose to become a head monk, living a simple life.
古代的头陀常穿着破旧的衣服，四处云游。
Ancient head monks often wore ragged clothes and traveled from place to place.