tashi lama: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Historical, Religious
Quick answer
What does “tashi lama” mean?
A title for a high-ranking Tibetan Buddhist monk, historically used to refer to the Panchen Lama, one of the two highest spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A title for a high-ranking Tibetan Buddhist monk, historically used to refer to the Panchen Lama, one of the two highest spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism.
The term specifically refers to the Panchen Lama, considered second only to the Dalai Lama in the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. The title 'Tashi' means 'auspicious' in Tibetan.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage between British and American English. The term is equally specialized in both variants.
Connotations
Carries strong connotations related to Tibetan Buddhism, spiritual authority, and often the complex political history of Tibet.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Appears primarily in academic, religious, or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “tashi lama” in a Sentence
the Tashi Lama + verb (e.g., resides, teaches, is recognised)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in religious studies, Asian history, political science, and anthropology texts discussing Tibetan institutions.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside specific communities.
Technical
A precise title within Tibetan Buddhist hierarchy and studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tashi lama”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tashi lama”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a tashi lama').
- Confusing the Tashi Lama with the Dalai Lama.
- Misspelling as 'tashi llama' (confusing with the animal).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are two distinct but closely related lineages. The Tashi Lama is the title for the Panchen Lama, who is considered second in spiritual authority to the Dalai Lama.
'Tashi' is a Tibetan word meaning 'auspicious' or 'good fortune'.
The traditional seat of the Panchen Lama (Tashi Lama) is Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, Tibet.
No, it is a highly specialized term found primarily in academic, historical, or religious contexts related to Tibet and Buddhism.
A title for a high-ranking Tibetan Buddhist monk, historically used to refer to the Panchen Lama, one of the two highest spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism.
Tashi lama is usually formal, technical, historical, religious in register.
Tashi lama: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɑːʃi ˈlɑːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɑʃi ˈlɑmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Tashi' sounds like 'tactful' and 'shi' like 'shepherd'. A 'tactful shepherd Lama' guiding his flock.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY IS A HIERARCHICAL TITLE.
Practice
Quiz
What does the title 'Tashi Lama' specifically refer to?