Singaporean Mandarin Database

This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.

shàn

xìn

devotees of a religion

Communities/Organisations

社群、团体

Communities / Organisations

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devotees of a religion

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Communities/Organisations

社群、团体

Communities / Organisations

释义

名词

善男信女的简称。原指佛教信徒,今也可泛指教徒或善心人士。

DEFINITION

Noun

An abbreviation of the Mandarin term “善男信女”, originally referring to Buddhists but now also refers to worshippers of other religions or people with benevolence.

由来
  • “善男信女”或“善信”为佛教术语,在多部佛经中皆有记载。例如,《佛说善信菩萨二十四戒经》里有讲解成佛的24条禁戒。经里提到的“善信二十四戒”是佛法中的24条戒律,众多佛教出家男女都得严谨遵守。“善信”在这一语境里含有信徒的意思。
  • “善信”一词在新加坡也用来指道教等宗教的信徒。
ETYMOLOGY
  • The Mandarin terms “善男信女” and “善信” are Buddhist terms found in many Buddhist scriptures. For example, the scripture “佛说善信菩萨二十四戒经” explains the 24 preceptsto be met in order to become a Buddha. “善信二十四戒” referred to in the scripture are the 24 precepts in Buddhism which are strictly adhered to by Buddhist monks and nuns. In this context, “善信” means “devotees”.
  • In Singapore, the Mandarin term “善信” also refers to devotees of Taoism and other religions.
例句
从下月 1 日起,四马路观音堂在星期天及公定假日也开放,让善信参拜。(《联合早报》,21/4/2022)
SAMPLE SENTENCE
Starting from the 1st of next month, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street will be opened on Sundays and public holidays for worship by devotees of the religion. (Lianhe Zaobao, 21/4/2022)
参考资料
REFERENCES