Translation and Meaning of: 神聖 - shinsei

The Japanese word 神聖 [しんせい] carries a cultural and spiritual weight that goes beyond its literal translation. If you are looking to understand its meaning, origin, or how it is used in everyday Japanese, this article will explore all of that in a clear and practical way. Here, you will discover everything from the context in which this word appears to tips for memorizing it easily.

神聖 is a term that often appears in discussions about religion, traditions, and even in Japanese media. Its usage reflects deeply rooted values in society, and understanding it can enrich your knowledge not only of the language but also of Japanese culture. Let's uncover its details below.

Meaning and translation of 神聖

神聖 [しんせい] is generally translated as "sacred" or "divine." It describes something that is considered pure, untouchable, or connected to the divine. Unlike words like "religious" or "spiritual," 神聖 carries a connotation of absolute reverence, often associated with places, objects, or rituals that demand unquestionable respect.

It is worth noting that, although "sacred" is the most common translation, the term can also be used in metaphorical contexts. For example, an impressive natural place can be described as 神聖 for its untouched beauty, even if it has no direct connection to a religion. This flexibility makes the word interesting for language learners.

Origin and cultural use of 神聖

The origin of 神聖 is directly linked to the kanjis that compose it: 神 (god, divinity) and 聖 (sacred, pure). Together, they reinforce the idea of something that transcends the mundane. Historically, the term was used in religious texts and Shinto and Buddhist ceremonies, still maintaining a strong association with spiritual practices today.

In modern Japan, 神聖 is still used in traditional contexts, such as festivals and temples, but it also appears in speeches about environmental preservation or even in narratives of animes and films that address mythological themes. Its presence in the media helps keep the word alive in everyday vocabulary, even among younger generations.

How to memorize and use 神聖 correctly

An effective way to remember 神聖 is to associate it with mental images of places or objects considered sacred in Japan, such as the Ise Shrine or Mount Fuji. This type of visual connection makes memorization easier, especially for those studying kanji. Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, like "この場所は神聖です" (This place is sacred), to internalize its use.

It is important to remember that 神聖 should not be used casually. Since it conveys an idea of profound respect, its improper use can sound strange or even offensive. Reserve it for situations that truly demand this level of solemnity, whether in conversations about Japanese culture or when describing experiences that evoke a sense of reverence.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 聖なる (Seinaru) - Sacred, divine, related to what is holy.
• 神々しい (Kagabishii) - Worthy of a god, celestial, magnificent.
• 神秘的 (Shinpiteki) - Mystical, related to what is mysterious and supernatural.
• 神格的 (Shinkakuteki) - Of divine nature, which possesses the quality of divinity.
• 神聖なる (Shinsei naru) - Sacred, with connotations of sacred and respectable.
• 神聖な (Shinsei na) - Attribute of being sacred, dignity of the sacred.
• 神聖的 (Shinseiteki) - Related to the sacred, with sacred quality.
• 神聖なるもの (Shinsei naru mono) - Sacred thing, an object or entity considered sacred.
• 神聖なる存在 (Shinsei naru sonzai) - Sacred existence, being that possesses sacred nature.
• 神聖なる場所 (Shinsei naru basho) - Sacred place, a location considered sacred or divine.
• 神聖なる力 (Shinsei naru chikara) - Sacred power, force of divine nature.
• 神聖なる使命 (Shinsei naru shimei) - Sacred mission, a task or divine calling.
• 神聖なる愛 (Shinsei naru ai) - Sacred love, love that is considered divine or ideal.
• 神聖なる教え (Shinsei naru oshie) - Sacred teaching, doctrine considered sacred.
• 神聖なる神秘 (Shinsei naru shinpi) - Sacred mystery, something that is sacred and shrouded in mystery.
• 神聖なる儀式 (Shinsei naru gishiki) - Sacred ritual, a ceremony that has a sacred character.
• 神聖なる言葉 (Shinsei naru kotoba) - Sacred word, expression, or language considered divine.
• 神聖なる霊感 (Shinsei naru reikan) - Sacred inspiration, perception, or intuition of divine origin.
• 神聖なる精神 (Shinsei naru seishin) - Sacred spirit, a spiritual essence considered sacred.
• 神聖なる意志 (Shinsei naru ishi) - Sacred will, a determination that has a sacred character.
• 神聖なる目的 (Shinsei naru mokuteki) - Sacred purpose, an objective that is regarded as divine.

神聖

Romaji: shinsei
Kana: しんせい
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: holiness; sacredness; dignity

Meaning in English: holiness;sacredness;dignity

Definition: Something that has religious significance or value that must be respected.

Example Sentences - (神聖) shinsei

See below some example sentences:

神聖な場所に行きたいです。

Kamisē na basho ni ikitai desu

I want to go to a holy place.

• 神聖な - adjective meaning "sacred"
• 場所 - Noun that means "place"
• に - particle that indicates the target or destination of the action
• 行きたい - verb in the desejative form meaning "to want to go"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite form of the sentence