寺

• Pinyin: sì
• Hanzi breakdown: 寺 = 土 (earth) + 寸 (inch) — originally a place of measurement/governance, later a temple

Meaning

Temple; monastery. A Buddhist temple or religious building.

Primarily refers to Buddhist temples in Chinese. Famous examples: 少林寺 (Shaolin Temple), 灵隐寺 (Lingyin Temple), 法门寺 (Famen Temple). Distinguished from 庙 (which can be Taoist or folk religion temples), 道观 (Taoist monastery), and 教堂 (church). Also appears in historical terms like 大理寺 (ancient supreme court).

Examples

1. 少林寺是中国最著名的佛教寺院之一。 Shaolin Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China.
2. 每年春节都有很多人到寺里烧香祈福。 Every year during Spring Festival, many people go to temples to burn incense and pray for blessings.
3. 这座古寺已有一千多年的历史。 This ancient temple has a history of over a thousand years.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, tourism, history

Tone: reverent

Do Say

• 这座寺是唐朝建的。(This temple was built in the Tang Dynasty.)
• 寺里的和尚很热情地接待了我们。(The monks in the temple received us warmly.)

Don't Say

• 基督教教堂不叫'寺' (Christian churches aren't called 寺 — use 教堂; 寺 is specifically Buddhist)

Origin & History

Originally referred to government offices in ancient China. Later became associated specifically with Buddhist temples when Buddhism was introduced.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal