Translation and Meaning of: 仏 - futsu

The Japanese word 「仏」 (futsu) has a quite interesting and multifaceted meaning. In its basic form, 「仏」 refers to "Buddha" or "Buddhas" in a religious context. It can be used to refer both to the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, and to represent statues and images of Buddha within Buddhist temples. The kanji writing「仏」is composed of the radical 「亻」which denotes "person" and the rest of the character, suggesting the representation of an enlightened figure or a being who has attained wisdom.

In terms of etymology, the use of 「仏」 to represent Buddha has ancient roots, where Buddhism was integrated into Japan through China and Korea around the 6th century. The kanji is an abbreviated form of 「仏陀」 (butsuda), which is the Japanese transliteration of the Sanskrit "Buddha." Over time, and with the simplification of words, the form 「仏」 became widely adopted to facilitate writing and reading.

In addition, 「仏」 is commonly used in daily life when referring to France, using the on'yomi reading 「ふつ」 (futsu). This is due to the fact that the reading was derived from the phonetic approximation of the country's name in early French dialect. A practical example of this can be seen in the word 「仏文」, which means "French literature." It's fascinating to see how a single expression, loaded with so much historical and cultural content, can have different meanings in varied contexts.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 仏陀 (Buddha) - The enlightened one, the being who attained enlightenment. It refers especially to Siddhartha Gautama.
• 釈迦 (Shaka) - Another way to refer to Buddha, often used in a historical context.
• 仏祖 (Buddha-sō) - The ancestors of Buddha generally refer to the masters who came before him.
• 佛 (Butsu) - An alternative way to write Buddha, used in more formal or religious contexts.
• 菩提 (Bodai) - Enlightenment, or the state of awakening; often associated with the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
• 如来 (Nyorai) - "The One Who Comes Thus," a title given to the Buddha, indicating his nature as the supreme truth.
• 祖師 (Soshi) - The ancestral master, referring to important figures in the development of Buddhism.
• 大師 (Daishi) - Great master, usually a title of respect for highly revered Buddhist masters.
• 仏様 (Butsu-sama) - A respectful way to refer to the Buddha, emphasizing his holiness.
• 仏像 (Butsuzo) - Buddha statue, often used in temples and religious practices.
• 仏教 (Bukkyō) - Buddhist religion, the doctrine taught by Buddha.
• 仏法 (Buppō) - The law of Buddha, the teachings and doctrines that he preached.
• 仏壇 (Butudan) - The Buddhist altar in homes, where offerings and prayers are made.
• 仏具 (Butsugu) - Instruments or objects used in Buddhist practices, such as incense and lanterns.
• 仏像店 (Butsuzoten) - Store of Buddhist statues, where representations of Buddha and other symbols are sold.
• 仏師 (Busshi) - Artist or sculptor who creates statues and images of Buddha.
• 仏事 (Butsuji) - Rituals or events related to Buddha, such as funerals or religious ceremonies.
• 仏前 (Butsumae) - In front of the Buddha, it usually refers to the sacred space in a temple.
• 仏心 (Butsushin) - The heart or mind of Buddha, symbolizing compassion and wisdom.
• 仏縁 (Butsuen) - Connection or relationship with the Buddha, often used in contexts of blessings or good luck.
• 仏恩 (Butsu-on) - Blessing of the Buddha, referring to the benefits obtained through practice and reverence.
• 仏力 (Butsuryoku) - Buddha's power, which is believed to assist practitioners in their spiritual journey.
• 仏眼 (Butsugen) - Buddha Eye, symbolizing clear vision and spiritual understanding.
• 仏性 (Butsusei) - The Buddha nature, or the potentiality of all beings to become buddhas.
• 仏徳 (Butsutoku) - Virtues of Buddha, grouping characteristics such as compassion and wisdom.
• 仏説 (Bussetsu) - The teachings of the Buddha, collectively referring to his lectures and discourses.
• 仏言 (Butsugen) - Words of Buddha, the sayings and teachings transmitted by him.
• 仏教徒 (Bukkyōto) - A practitioner of Buddhism, someone who follows the teachings of the Buddha.
• 仏教会 (Bukkyōkai) - Buddhist community, a group of practitioners who gather to promote Buddhist teachings.
• 仏教徒会 (Bukkyōtokai) - Association of Buddhist practitioners, focusing on the practice and teaching of Buddhism.
• 仏教寺院 (Bukkyōjiin) - Buddhist temple, a sacred space for practices and teachings of Buddhism.
• 仏教僧侶 (Bukkyōsōryo) - Buddhist monk, a person who lives according to the rules and teachings of Buddhism.
• 仏教行者 (Bukkyōgyōja) - Buddhist practitioner dedicated to meditation and other aspects of Buddhist practice.

仏

Romaji: futsu
Kana: ふつ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: French

Meaning in English: French

Definition: "Buddha" refers to the saints and honorary titles worshiped in Buddhism.

Example Sentences - (仏) futsu

See below some example sentences:

仏像は美しいです。

Butsuzou wa utsukushii desu

The Buddha statues are beautiful.

The Buddha statue is beautiful.

• 仏像 - represents the word "Buddha" in Japanese and refers to an image or statue of Buddha.
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "Buddha" or "Buddha statue".
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful" or "pretty".
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form.