KanjiJLPT N1
Buddhist Priest

Buddhist priest, monk

Mnemonic

Butler Alfred finds an ancient scroll revealing his oldest ancestor was no ordinary man—he was a Buddhist Priest living in a remote mountain monastery. Alfred stares at the portrait: same posture, same calm eyes. His lifelong devotion to humble service suddenly makes perfect sense—it's in his blood.
Additional thoughts
Picture Alfred in his formal suit holding a faded portrait of a shaven-headed monk who looks just like him. The butler's quiet, selfless dedication mirrors the monk's discipline—service runs through the family line from ancestor to descendant.
Quick recall
Butler Alfred's ancestor was a Buddhist Priest—devoted service runs in the bloodline.

Details

The keyword for 僧 is buddhist priest. This kanji refers specifically to a monk or clergy member in the Buddhist tradition, one who has renounced worldly life to devote themselves to religious practice and study. It carries a sense of spiritual discipline and monastic living, distinguishing such a person from ordinary laypeople. The character is commonly used in compounds related to Buddhist monasticism and the priesthood.
On'yomi
そう