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.

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A - Z PINYIN LISTING

善

shàn

信

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，如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 applied to followers of other religions, or kind-hearted people in general.

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 found in Buddhist scriptures. For example, the scripture “佛说善信菩萨二十四戒经” explains the 24 precepts to be met in order to become a Buddha, which are strictly adhered to by Buddhist monks and nuns. In this context, “善信” means “devotees”.ƒ
  • In Singapore, the term can also refer to followers 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 1 May, the Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple at Waterloo Street will be opened to devotees on Sundays and public holidays. (Lianhe Zaobao, 21/4/2022)
参考资料
点击查看善信的参考资料
REFERENCES

Click here to view references for devotees of a religion

 

 

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