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Kwan-yin

Kwan-yin

3 9.9
A female figure in Chinese Buddhism who shows great kindness and helps people in need
  • proper noun
: Kuan Yin
  • Many devotees pray to Kwan-yin for compassion and guidance in their daily lives.

Examples

  • Legends describe Kwan-yin as responding to those in need with boundless mercy.

  • A statue of Kwan-yin stands at the entrance of the temple, welcoming visitors.

  • Many people pray to Kwan-yin for guidance.

  • The statue of Kwan-yin in the temple is beautifully carved.

  • A statue of Kwan-yin stands at the entrance of the temple, welcoming visitors.

  • Many devotees pray to Kwan-yin for compassion and guidance in their daily lives.

  • Legends describe Kwan-yin as responding to those in need with boundless mercy.

Synonyms

Guanyin
vsKwan-yin
1 9.9

A Buddhist figure of compassion whom people pray to, often shown as a woman

is the same figure in Chinese tradition rather than other names
Avalokiteshvara
vsKwan-yin
  • Literature
1 9.9

A compassionate being in Buddhism who helps people who suffer

is the localized Chinese female embodiment of that broader figure
Kuan Yin
vsKwan-yin
1 9.8

A goddess of mercy in Chinese Buddhism who people pray to for help

has identical meaning but differs in spelling or romanization
Avalokitesvara
vsKwan-yin
  • Literature
1 9.9

A kind figure in Buddhism who listens to people's problems and helps them

is the Chinese female embodiment of that same figure
Kwannon
vsKwan-yin
9.9

A figure in Japanese Buddhism who shows kindness, often holding a lotus

is the Chinese form of the name rather than the Japanese one

Surface Forms

Kwan-yin main

Etymology

Kwan-yin comes from Chinese words Kwan meaning 'to observe' and yin meaning 'sound' or 'voice'. That image of 'hearing' helps you remember why Kwan-yin is a mercy figure who listens and helps people in need.