lohan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Specialized
Quick answer
What does “lohan” mean?
In Chinese Buddhism and popular culture, a term for an enlightened disciple or follower of the Buddha, often depicted as an ascetic with supernatural powers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Chinese Buddhism and popular culture, a term for an enlightened disciple or follower of the Buddha, often depicted as an ascetic with supernatural powers.
The term can refer to a revered person who has achieved a high spiritual state. In contemporary contexts, it is occasionally used to refer to expert practitioners or masters in certain non-religious fields (e.g., martial arts).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences. Usage is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily carries religious and cultural connotations. No strong positive or negative modern associations.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both BrE and AmE outside of academic or specific cultural discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “lohan” in a Sentence
[proper noun] the lohanVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in fields like Religious Studies, Art History, and East Asian Studies.
Everyday
Rarely, if ever, used.
Technical
A technical term within Buddhist theology and iconography.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lohan”
- Capitalizing it when used as a common noun (e.g., 'a Lohan' is incorrect).
- Using it as a plural without 's' (the plural is 'lohans' or 'lohan', but 'lohan' is often used collectively).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A lohan (arhat) is one who has achieved personal enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth. A bodhisattva postpones their own final nirvana to help all other beings achieve enlightenment.
Yes, the regular English plural 'lohans' is acceptable (e.g., 'the temple's lohans'), though in scholarly contexts, the word may be left unchanged ('lohan') when referring to the group collectively.
No, it is a complete coincidence. The actress's surname is of Irish/Gaelic origin.
You are most likely to encounter it in academic texts on Buddhism, museum captions for East Asian art, or travel writing about temples in China and other East Asian countries.
In Chinese Buddhism and popular culture, a term for an enlightened disciple or follower of the Buddha, often depicted as an ascetic with supernatural powers.
Lohan is usually formal/specialized in register.
Lohan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈləʊ.hæn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈloʊ.hæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: LOng-HANdled wisdom - a LOHAN holds great spiritual wisdom.
Conceptual Metaphor
A LIVING MONUMENT (a lohan is seen as a personification of spiritual achievement, like a statue).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary origin of the term 'lohan'?