觀音

Etymology
“[One who] Observes Sounds”, in reference to the prayers and cries of sentient beings who need help, a, the original form of , the bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

Synonymous with, which interpreted the middle element of the 🇨🇬 compound as. The shorter form became more common during the Tang dynasty to avoid naming the taboo personal name of,.

Compare 🇨🇬.

Proper noun

 * 1)   Guanyin

Usage notes
Although Avalokiteśvara was reckoned a male figure and Guanyin was first depicted as a male in Chinese art, she is now almost always understood to be and referenced as a goddess or female boddhisattva.

Descendants
Others: