bhikshuni: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Specialist/Religious
Quick answer
What does “bhikshuni” mean?
A fully ordained female Buddhist monastic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fully ordained female Buddhist monastic.
A woman who has taken monastic vows in Buddhism, renounced worldly life, and lives according to the monastic discipline (Vinaya), dependent on alms. The term specifically refers to a female member of the Sangha who has received full ordination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences; the term is used identically in scholarly and Buddhist communities worldwide.
Connotations
Neutral and technical within religious studies; conveys respect within Buddhist practice.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language; slightly more likely in UK academic texts due to historical colonial links with South Asia.
Grammar
How to Use “bhikshuni” in a Sentence
[Bhikshuni] + [verb: teaches, lives, ordains][She] + [became/was ordained as] + [a bhikshuni]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bhikshuni” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bhikshuni community gathered for the ceremony.
- She followed the bhikshuni precepts strictly.
American English
- The bhikshuni lineage was revived in the 20th century.
- She entered a bhikshuni training program.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in religious studies, Asian studies, and anthropology papers discussing Buddhist monasticism.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside specific religious or scholarly discussions.
Technical
Precise term in Buddhist theology and Vinaya studies to denote a fully ordained female monastic, as opposed to a novice (sramanerika).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bhikshuni”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bhikshuni”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bhikshuni”
- Misspelling as 'bikshuni', 'bhikshunee', or 'bhikkshuni'.
- Using it as a general term for any female ascetic.
- Mispronouncing the 'ksh' cluster as separate sounds /k/ and /ʃ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a specific type of nun within Buddhism, referring to one who has taken the full set of monastic vows as outlined in the Vinaya, making it a more precise term than the general 'nun'.
In general discussion, often yes, as they refer to the same concept. However, 'bhikshuni' is the Sanskrit form, while 'bhikkhuni' is the Pali form, and their use may be preferred in different Buddhist traditions (e.g., Mahayana vs. Theravada).
Common respectful forms of address include 'Venerable' (e.g., Venerable [Name]), 'Ayya' (in some Theravada contexts), or 'Bhikshuni [Name]'.
A bhikshuni (fully ordained monastic) has taken the full set of vows (often over 300 rules), while a novice (sramanerika) has taken only the 10 precepts. Full ordination is a more serious and permanent commitment.
A fully ordained female Buddhist monastic.
Bhikshuni is usually specialist/religious in register.
Bhikshuni: in British English it is pronounced /bɪkˈʃuːni/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪkˈʃuni/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Take the bhikshuni vows (to become fully ordained)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'She is a BHIKS-huni' – a female who BHIKS (begs/asks) for alms as a spiritual practice.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL LIFE IS A JOURNEY; a bhikshuni is a dedicated traveller on that path, having left home.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary language of origin for the term 'bhikshuni'?