唐僧 (Tángsēng): Tang Sanzang; the Tang monk

Based on the historical Tang-dynasty monk 玄奘 (Xuánzàng, 602-664) who traveled to India and translated Buddhist scriptures. In 《西游记》 he is pious, gullible, and famously preachy, which is why 唐僧 is now a common Chinese slang for someone who nags or lectures too much.

usage

Also called 唐三藏 (Táng Sānzàng). "像唐僧一样啰嗦" (as long-winded as Tangseng) is a common figurative insult.

In Pop Culture

西游记 Xīyóujì

Journey to the West

16th-century novel by Wu Cheng'en; one of the Four Great Classical Novels. Tangseng leads Sun Wukong, Pigsy, and Sandy on a journey to fetch Buddhist scriptures from India.

玄奘 Xuánzàng

Xuanzang

Historical Tang-dynasty monk (602-664) whose real 17-year journey to India inspired the character.