衲 (nà) - A patchwork robe worn by Buddhist monks & to mend or patch clothing

衲Tone 4

nà ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 衤

娜楠

衲 · nà

A patchwork robe worn by Buddhist monks;

to mend or patch clothing;

a humble or simple garment.

A patchwork robe worn by Buddhist monksto mend or patch clothinga humble or simple garment.

Usage highlights

Buddhist monk's robePatchwork robeOld monkMend clothingMonastic robePatchwork

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • 华服— luxurious clothing
  • 锦衣— brocade garment (fine clothing)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The monk wore a patched robe (百衲衣).
  • She learned to patch clothes (衲鞋底) from her grandmother.
  • He is a humble monk (老衲).

Collocations

  • Buddhist monk's robe(衲衣)
  • Patchwork robe(百衲衣)
  • Old monk(老衲)
  • Mend clothing(衲鞋底)
  • Monastic robe(僧衲)
  • Patchwork(补衲)

Idioms

  • Humble self-reference by a monk(老衲)
  • Patchwork robe made from scraps(百衲衣)
  • Mending clothes and begging for food(衲衣乞食)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Buddhism, '衲' refers to the patched robes worn by monks, symbolizing simplicity, humility, and detachment from material possessions.
  • The term '老衲' is used by Buddhist monks as a humble self-reference, literally meaning 'old patched-robed one'.
  • 百衲衣 (hundred-patch robe) is a traditional Buddhist garment made from discarded cloth pieces, representing non-attachment and resourcefulness.

FAQ