神聖な

• Reading: しんせいな
• Romaji: shinseina
• Kanji breakdown: 神 (shin) — god, divine, spirit; 聖 (sei) — holy, sacred, saint
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴ.seː.na/

Meaning

Holy; sacred; divine. Describing something regarded with reverence or spiritual significance.

A na-adjective used to describe places, objects, rituals, or concepts considered sacred or inviolable. Stronger than 聖なる (seinaru, holy) in everyday usage. Commonly modifies nouns like 場所 (basho, place), 儀式 (gishiki, ceremony), and 義務 (gimu, duty). Can also be used figuratively to mean something that should not be violated or disrespected, as in 神聖な権利 (shinseina kenri, sacred right).

Examples

1. この山は古くから神聖な場所とされてきた。 This mountain has long been regarded as a sacred place.
2. 神聖な儀式の間は静かにしなければならない。 You must be quiet during the sacred ceremony.
3. 彼らは自由を神聖な権利だと考えている。 They consider freedom to be a sacred right.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, history, law, philosophy

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 神 (shin, god/divine) + 聖 (sei, holy/sacred). Literally 'divinely holy' — doubly emphasising the sacred nature of something.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal