僧
そう
sou
JLPT N113 strokesKanjiLevel 98 - JLPT N1
Quick answer
僧 is the kanji for "Monk". The most common reading is そう (sou). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Monk
Also : Buddhist priest
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Readings
onそう/ sou
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
13 strokes
Radicals
亻曾
Example Sentences
老僧が静かに経を読んでいた。
ろうそうがしずかにきょうをよんでいた。
The old monk was quietly reciting sutras.
僧院に住んでいる。
そういんにすんでいる。
He lives in a monastery.
Vocabulary using 僧
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + に際して～に際して (ni saishite) - On the occasion of
- [Noun] + をもとに(して)～をもとに (wo moto ni) - Based on
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + にあたって～にあたって (ni atatte) - When doing; Upon
- [Plain form verb/adjective] + ものの～ものの (mono no) - Although; Even though
- [Verb/Adjective/Noun] + にしろ/にせよ～にしろ／にせよ (ni shiro/ni seyo) - Even if; Regardless of
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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