tai3 dou6剃度
Jyutpingtai3 dou6
Yaletai douh
Definition
To tonsure; the ceremony of shaving the head when becoming a Buddhist monk or nun.
neutralother
How it's used
This term is strictly reserved for the formal religious ceremony of becoming a Buddhist monk or nun. It carries a solemn and reverent tone, distinguishing it from simply shaving one's head for aesthetic or practical reasons. It is rarely used outside of formal religious contexts or discussions regarding monastic life.
Examples
He decided to go to the monastery to be tonsured and become a monk.
Do you know when he will undergo the tonsure ceremony?
Related words
Common phrases
tonsure ceremony
to be tonsured and enter the monastic order
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe a regular haircut or shaving your head at home, as it specifically implies the religious transition into monastic life.
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.
