上帝

• Pinyin: Shàng dì
• Hanzi breakdown: 上 = above, supreme; 帝 = emperor, deity — Supreme Being, God

Meaning

God; the Supreme Being. The deity in monotheistic religions, particularly Christianity.

The standard Chinese term for the Christian God, also used more broadly for the concept of a supreme deity. Common in religious contexts, expressions like 我的上帝 (my God), and philosophical discussions. Also used colloquially in exclamations similar to 'Oh my God' in English.

Examples

1. 他虔诚地向上帝祈祷，希望家人平安。 He devoutly prayed to God, hoping for his family's safety.
2. 上帝啊，这太不可思议了！ Oh my God, this is unbelievable!
3. 在西方文化中，很多人相信上帝创造了世界。 In Western culture, many people believe God created the world.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, exclamation, philosophy

Tone: reverent

Do Say

• 上帝保佑。(God bless.)
• 感谢上帝！(Thank God!)

Don't Say

• 在非基督教语境中谨慎使用 (Be careful using 上帝 in non-Christian contexts — for Buddhist contexts use 佛祖; for general divine references use 神)

Origin & History

Compound of 上 (above, supreme) + 帝 (emperor, god). Originally referred to the supreme deity in ancient Chinese religion before being adopted for the Christian God.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal