神圣

• Pinyin: shén shèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 神 = 礻+ 申 (divine spirit); 圣 = 又 + 土 (sage, holy)

Meaning

Sacred; holy; divine; inviolable and deserving of utmost reverence.

Can describe religious sites, national symbols, moral duties, or solemn ceremonies. In modern usage it extends beyond religion to anything regarded as supremely important and not to be violated, such as sovereignty or justice.

Examples

1. 每位公民都有保卫祖国神圣领土的责任。 Every citizen has a duty to defend the sacred territory of the motherland.
2. 这座寺庙被当地居民视为神圣不可侵犯之地。 This temple is regarded by local residents as a sacred place that must not be violated.
3. 他认为诚信是商业活动中最神圣的原则。 He believes integrity is the most sacred principle in business.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, politics, ethics, law

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 维护国家主权是每个公民不可推卸的神圣职责。(Safeguarding national sovereignty is a sacred duty that no citizen can shirk.)
• 婚礼被许多文化视为神圣的仪式，象征两个家庭的结合。(The wedding ceremony is regarded in many cultures as a sacred ritual symbolising the union of two families.)

Don't Say

• 神圣 casually for things you merely like a lot — it conveys profound reverence; use 珍贵 or 重要 for things that are simply valuable or important

Origin & History

神 (spirit, divine) + 圣 (holy, sage)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal