This site will be taken down March 31st, 2026.

This was not an easy decision to make. For the last couple years, I have been struggling to find motivation for this site and to keep up with basic maintenance and security updates. With the rise of AI and more sophisticated tools, the usefulness of sites like this is questionable and traffic has nose-dived. I just don't have it in me to keep doing this. Thank you all for 10 years of support!

Zach

和尚

和上

Readings

Kana: おしょう、かしょう、わじょう
Romaji: oshō, kashō, wajō
Kana
Romaji

Definitions

1

preceptor or high priest (esp. in Zen or Pure Land Buddhism)

Note: honorific or respectful (sonkeigo) language
2

preceptor or high priest (in Tendai or Kegon Buddhism)

Note: honorific or respectful (sonkeigo) language
3

preceptor or high priest (in Shingon, Hosso, Ritsu or Shin Buddhism)

Note: usu. 和上
Note: honorific or respectful (sonkeigo) language
4

second highest priestly rank in Buddhism

See also: 法眼
5

monk (esp. the head monk of a temple)

6

master (of one's art, trade, etc.)

Kanji

Readings: ワ、 オ、 カ、 やわ.らぐ、 やわ.らげる、 なご.む、 なご.やか
Meanings: harmony, Japanese style, peace, soften, Japan
Readings: ショウ、 なお
Meanings: esteem, furthermore, still, yet
Readings: ジョウ、 ショウ、 シャン、 うえ、 -うえ、 うわ-、 かみ、 あ.げる、 -あ.げる、 あ.がる、 -あ.がる、 あ.がり、 -あ.がり、 のぼ.る、 のぼ.り、 のぼ.せる、 のぼ.す、 よ.す
Meanings: above, up

Example Sentence

(ころも)ばかりで和尚(おしょう)はできぬ。
➥The dress does not make the fair.
Full Entry➤