(しんせい)

しんせい
na-adjective / noun
sacred, holy
1. sacred, holy, divine
Something that is revered as holy or inviolable, whether in a religious context or more broadly to describe something considered pure and not to be defiled.
ここは神聖(しんせい)場所(ばしょ)だ。
This is a sacred place.
神聖(しんせい)儀式(ぎしき)毎年(まいとし)(おこな)われる。
A sacred ceremony is held every year.
この(やま)(ふる)くから神聖(しんせい)(やま)として(あが)められてきた。
This mountain has been revered as a sacred mountain since ancient times.

USAGE:
A formal word describing something worthy of deep reverence. Used for religious sites, rituals, and objects, but also extended to anything considered inviolable or pure. Not to be confused with the homophone 申請(しんせい) (application, request).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 神聖(しんせい)場所(ばしょ): sacred place
  • 神聖(しんせい)儀式(ぎしき): sacred ceremony
  • 神聖(しんせい)(けが)す: to defile the sacred
  • 神聖(しんせい)にして(おか)すべからず: sacred and inviolable