Sacred refers to something divine, highly respected, and untouchable by common standards.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Relating to God or religion.
- Describing something worthy of deep respect.
- Used for places or duties that are inviolable.
Overview
- 1概要：神聖な（しんせいな）は、神の威厳を帯びていて尊い様子を指します。日常会話よりも、宗教、儀式、歴史、あるいは非常に格式高い文脈で用いられる言葉です。2) 使用パターン：主に名詞を修飾する形で、「神聖な場所」「神聖な儀式」「神聖な義務」のように使われます。また、「神聖なものとして扱う」のように、何かを大切に守る対象とする際にも使われます。3) 一般的な文脈：神社や寺院、教会といった宗教施設、あるいは自然の神秘的な場所（森や山）に対して使われることが多いです。また、個人のプライバシーや、絶対に守るべき約束事など、比喩的に「汚してはいけないもの」という意味でも使われます。4) 類語との比較：「厳かな（おごそかな）」は、態度や雰囲気が重々しく、きちんとしている様子を指しますが、「神聖な」はより「神や宗教的な尊さ」に重点が置かれます。「清らかな」は汚れがない様子を指しますが、神聖なほどの威厳や重みまでは必ずしも含みません。
Examples
ここは神聖な場所なので、静かにしてください。
everydayThis is a sacred place, so please be quiet.
神聖な儀式が執り行われた。
formalA sacred ritual was performed.
彼にとって、その約束は神聖なものだった。
informalFor him, that promise was sacred.
古代文明における神聖なシンボルについて研究する。
academicResearching sacred symbols in ancient civilizations.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
神聖不可侵
Sacrosanct / Inviolable
神聖な権利
Sacred right
Often Confused With
Refers to a solemn, dignified atmosphere. It focuses on the mood rather than the divine nature of the object.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This word is formal and carries a significant weight. It is generally reserved for religious, spiritual, or highly principled contexts. Avoid using it in casual, lighthearted conversations to maintain the correct tone.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use it to describe something 'special' or 'cool', which is incorrect. It specifically requires a sense of divine or moral sanctity. Ensure you are using it for things that deserve high reverence.
Tips
Use with formal subjects
Pair this word with nouns like 'place', 'ritual', or 'vow'. It adds a layer of solemnity and importance to your speech.
Avoid casual contexts
Do not use this word to describe everyday objects like food or clothes. It sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.
Religious context in Japan
In Japan, nature itself is often considered sacred, such as ancient trees or mountains. Respecting these places is a deep part of Japanese culture.
Word Origin
Derived from the kanji '神' (God) and '聖' (Holy/Sacred). It represents the intersection of divine power and moral purity.
Cultural Context
In Japan, the concept of 'sacred' is deeply tied to Shintoism and the belief that spirits (kami) reside in natural objects. Respecting these boundaries is essential for cultural etiquette.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Saint' (Sei) who is 'Holy' (Shin-sei). The word literally contains the kanji for God (Shin) and Holy/Saint (Sei).
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「神聖」は対象が持つ神々しさや尊さに焦点を当てます。一方、「厳か」は場の空気や態度が引き締まっている様子を指します。
日常会話では少し大げさな響きになるため、あまり使いません。宗教的な話題や、非常に真剣な約束について話す際に適しています。
神社、寺院、教会などの宗教施設や、自然崇拝の対象となる山や森などが含まれます。人によって特定の場所を神聖と感じることもあります。
「冒涜的な（ぼうとくてきな）」や「俗な（ぞくな）」が対義語として挙げられます。神聖さを汚すような性質を指します。
Test Yourself
ここは古くから地元の人々に守られてきた___な場所です。
名詞を修飾する場合は「な」が必要です。
Score: /1
Summary
Sacred refers to something divine, highly respected, and untouchable by common standards.
- Relating to God or religion.
- Describing something worthy of deep respect.
- Used for places or duties that are inviolable.
Use with formal subjects
Pair this word with nouns like 'place', 'ritual', or 'vow'. It adds a layer of solemnity and importance to your speech.
Avoid casual contexts
Do not use this word to describe everyday objects like food or clothes. It sounds unnatural and overly dramatic.
Religious context in Japan
In Japan, nature itself is often considered sacred, such as ancient trees or mountains. Respecting these places is a deep part of Japanese culture.
Examples
4 of 4ここは神聖な場所なので、静かにしてください。
This is a sacred place, so please be quiet.
神聖な儀式が執り行われた。
A sacred ritual was performed.
彼にとって、その約束は神聖なものだった。
For him, that promise was sacred.
古代文明における神聖なシンボルについて研究する。
Researching sacred symbols in ancient civilizations.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
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歴史家
B1A historian, a person who studies and writes about the past.
滅ぼす
A2To destroy, to ruin, or to annihilate (transitive form of 滅びる).
一方で
A2On the other hand, meanwhile, or while.
〜世紀
A2A suffix indicating a specific century.
攻撃する
A2To attack, to assault, or to make an offensive.
人物
A2A person, especially one of importance or character.
興る
A2To rise, to originate, or to come into being (e.g., a state, a power).
歴史的な
B1Relating to history; significant in history.
その頃
A2At that time, around that time, or back then.
王朝
A2A succession of rulers from the same family.
