geoi1 si6居士
Jyutpinggeoi1 si6
Yalegēui sih
Definition
A lay Buddhist devotee, or a scholar living in retirement in ancient times.
- literarya scholar living in retirement in ancient times
- a secular or lay Buddhist devotee who has not become a monk or nun
neutralpeople
How it's used
Refers primarily to a lay practitioner who maintains a secular life while following Buddhist teachings, distinguishing them from monks or nuns who have taken full vows. It carries a sense of respect, often implying someone who is well-read or has reached a stage of life where they prioritize spiritual cultivation over worldly ambition. In modern Hong Kong, it is a polite title used for devoted followers who are not ordained.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
After retiring, he became a lay Buddhist and reads scriptures at home every day.
This lay Buddhist is very knowledgeable and often discusses Buddhist philosophy with others.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 出家人, as a 居士 lives in the secular world and does not live in a monastery. Using it to refer to a monk would be factually incorrect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
