Translation and Meaning of: 聖書 - seisho

The Japanese word 聖書 [せいしょ] is a term that arouses curiosity both for its meaning and for its use in everyday life in Japan. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, its origin, how it is written, and in what contexts it appears. If you are studying Japanese or simply have an interest in the culture of the country, understanding 聖書 can be an important step to expand your vocabulary and knowledge.

In addition, we will see how this word is perceived by the Japanese, its frequency in the language, and tips for memorizing it efficiently. Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, provides accurate information for those who want to learn reliably. Shall we begin?

Meaning and origin of 聖書 [せいしょ]

聖書[せいしょ] is a Japanese word that means "Bible" or "sacred scriptures." It is composed of two kanji: 聖 (sei), which represents "sacred" or "holy," and 書 (sho), which means "written" or "document." Together, these characters form a term that refers to religious texts of great significance, especially in the Christian context.

The origin of the word is linked to the introduction of Christianity in Japan, which mainly occurred in the 16th century through Portuguese and Spanish missionaries. Although Christianity is not the majority religion in the country, the term 聖書 is widely recognized, even by those who do not follow the religion. This happens because the word can also be used in broader contexts, as a reference to sacred books of other beliefs.

Use and Cultural Context

In Japan, 聖書 is a word that appears frequently in discussions about religion, history, and even in works of fiction. Although Shinto and Buddhism are the predominant religions, Christianity has an influence on some local traditions, such as Christmas, which is celebrated in a secular manner by many Japanese people.

In everyday conversations, the word can arise in educational contexts, such as in history classes or comparative studies of religions. Additionally, it is common to see it in books, movies, and animes that address religious or philosophical themes. An example is the series "Neon Genesis Evangelion," which makes indirect references to biblical concepts, although not always in a literal way.

Tips for memorizing the Bible

An effective way to remember this word is to associate the kanjis that compose it with familiar images or concepts. For example, 聖 (sacred) can be linked to something revered, while 書 (written) refers to documents or books. Together, they form the idea of a "sacred text," which is exactly the meaning of 聖書.

Another tip is to practice reading and writing the word in simple sentences, such as "聖書を読む" (to read the Bible) or "聖書の教え" (the teachings of the Bible). Repeating these structures helps to solidify not only the vocabulary but also the context in which the word is used. If you use flashcards or apps like Anki, including 聖書 in your studies can speed up the learning process.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 聖典 (Seiten) - Sacred or canonical text.
• 聖典書 (Seiten-sho) - Book of sacred texts.
• 聖典経 (Seiten-kyou) - Sacred writings.
• 聖典籍 (Seiten-seki) - Collection of sacred texts.
• 聖典典籍 (Seiten-tenseki) - Classical works of sacred texts.
• 聖書 (Seisho) - Bible or holy scripture.
• 聖書経 (Seisho-kyou) - Bible Scriptures.
• 聖書典籍 (Seisho-tenseki) - Books and biblical publications.
• 聖書経典 (Seisho-kyouten) - Canonical texts of the Bible.
• 聖書典 (Seisho-ten) - Compilation or anthology of the Bible.
• 聖書典籍 (Seisho-tenseki) - Documents and works of the Bible.
• 聖書経典書 (Seisho-kyouten-sho) - Book of the canonical scriptures of the Bible.
• 聖書経籍 (Seisho-kyoseki) - Records of the biblical scriptures.
• 聖書書籍 (Seisho-shoseki) - Related publications about the Bible.
• 聖書経書 (Seisho-kyousho) - Registered Biblical texts.

聖書

Romaji: seisho
Kana: せいしょ
Type: Noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: Bible; Scriptures

Meaning in English: Bible;scriptures

Definition: A document that is the basis of the faith of Christians.