bou3 si1布施
Jyutpingbou3 si1
Yalebou sī
Definition
To give alms or donate material goods to Buddhist monks or nuns.
neutralother
How it's used
Primarily used in a religious or spiritual context, specifically referring to the act of donating to monks or charitable causes to gain spiritual merit. It carries a formal or solemn tone compared to everyday words for giving like 俾 or 捐. You will rarely hear this in casual conversation unless discussing Buddhist practices or personal religious habits.
Examples
He often goes to the temple to give alms, hoping to accumulate merit.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word for general charitable donations to secular organizations, as it specifically implies a religious or altruistic act of giving to those in need or to religious figures.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
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