Meaning
功德 refers to meritorious acts or virtue accumulated through good deeds, particularly in Buddhist and religious contexts. It represents the positive spiritual merit earned by performing virtuous actions, charitable acts, or religious practices.
Usage
This term is commonly used in Buddhist and traditional Chinese contexts when discussing spiritual merit, charitable donations to temples, or virtuous actions. In modern usage, it can also refer more broadly to charitable works or good deeds that benefit others. Often heard in temples when people donate or perform religious practices.
Examples
- 01他每个月都去寺庙捐钱做功德。.He goes to the temple every month to donate money and accumulate merit.
- 02帮助别人就是积功德的好方法。.Helping others is a good way to accumulate merit.
Characters
Measure words
- 件一件功德
Common collocations
- 积功德to accumulate merit
- 功德无量infinite merit (common Buddhist expression)
- 做功德to perform meritorious deeds
- 功德圆满to complete one's meritorious work successfully
Antonyms
Origin
The term combines 功 (merit/achievement) and 德 (virtue/morality), with roots in Buddhist philosophy where accumulating merit through good actions leads to better karma and spiritual advancement.