Meaning

Primary

Buddha

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Reading

ほとけ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn't learn that reading, so here's a mnemonic to help you with this word: You go up to Buddha. You want to rub his head for good luck, because that's what you hear is good to do. Right before you touch him, he backs off and says, "Whoa! I'm hot, okay?" (ほとけ). You touch him and it burns your hand clean off.

Imagine saying "hot, okay?" in a strange accent to help you to remember.

Context

Common Word Combinations

  • 仏に成る

    to die, to achieve nirvana

    仏に会う

    to meet Buddha

    仏にすがる

    to cling to Buddha, to rely on Buddha

Context Sentences

ビエトはヤクザをやめて、仏の道に入ることを決意しました。

Viet has decided to leave the Yakuza group and follow the teachings of Buddha.

コウイチは、いつも仏のようにれいせいで、えんま大王のようにきびしい。

Koichi is always as cool as Buddha and as strict as Enma, the King of Hell.

「知らぬが仏」や「仏の顔も三度まで」など、仏に関する諺はいくつかありますね。

There are some proverbs related to Buddha like, "what you don’t know can’t hurt you," and, "the crushed worm will turn."

Kanji Composition