住職

• Reading: じゅうしょく
• Romaji: juushoku
• Kanji breakdown: 住 (juu) — reside, dwell, live; 職 (shoku) — post, duty, occupation
• Pronunciation: /dʑɯː.ɕo.kɯ/

Meaning

Chief priest of a Buddhist temple. The head monk responsible for managing a temple.

A noun for the head priest who resides at and manages a Buddhist temple. The kanji literally mean 'residing post' — reflecting the tradition of the chief priest living at the temple. Distinguished from 僧侶 (souryo, Buddhist monk/priest) in general — 住職 specifically refers to the head priest of a particular temple. In many cases, the position is hereditary. Also referred to as ご住職 (go-juushoku) with the honorific prefix.

Examples

1. お寺の住職に法要の相談をした。 I consulted the chief priest of the temple about a memorial service.
2. 住職はこの寺で三十年以上務めている。 The chief priest has served at this temple for over thirty years.
3. 住職の説法を聞きに多くの人が集まった。 Many people gathered to hear the chief priest's sermon.

Usage Guide

Context: Buddhism, temples, funerals

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 住 (juu, reside/dwell) + 職 (shoku, post/duty). Literally 'residing post' — the priestly position that requires living at the temple.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal