聖域(せいいき)

せいいき
noun
sanctuary; sacred ground; untouchable area
1. sanctuary, sacred ground, holy place
A place regarded as sacred or holy, such as a religious site or spiritually significant location.
神社(じんじゃ)の奥(おく)に聖域(せいいき)がある。
There is a sacred area deep within the shrine.
この森(もり)は古(ふる)くから聖域(せいいき)として守(まも)られてきた。
This forest has been protected as a sacred place since ancient times.
巡礼者(じゅんれいしゃ)たちは長(なが)い旅(たび)を経(へ)て、ついに聖域(せいいき)にたどり着(つ)いた。
After a long journey, the pilgrims finally arrived at the sanctuary.
2. untouchable area, off-limits territory
A domain, topic, or area considered inviolable and off-limits to outside interference or criticism. Commonly used in political and organizational contexts to describe areas that cannot be reformed or questioned.
聖域(せいいき)なき改革(かいかく)を目指(めざ)す。
Aim for reform with no sacred cows.
予算(よさん)削減(さくげん)に聖域(せいいき)はないと首相(しゅしょう)が述(の)べた。
The prime minister stated that there are no off-limits areas in budget cuts.
長年(ながねん)聖域(せいいき)とされてきた既得(きとく)権益(けんえき)にメスを入(い)れなければ、真(しん)の改革(かいかく)は実現(じつげん)しない。
Unless we tackle the vested interests that have long been considered untouchable, true reform will not be achieved.

Usage

Sense 2 is very common in political and journalistic language. The phrase 聖域(せいいき)なき改革(かいかく) (reform with no sacred cows) became a well-known political slogan.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 聖地(せいち): holy land, sacred site (more specifically a place of pilgrimage or worship)
  • 禁足地(きんそくち): forbidden ground, restricted area (physically off-limits)

Related Words

Compare: 聖地(せいち) (holy land, sacred site)
general
Added 2026.2.27 15:58 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
13500/13918_seiiki