1.
sanctuary, sacred ground, holy place
A place regarded as sacred or holy, such as a religious site or spiritually significant location.
神社の奥に聖域がある。
There is a sacred area deep within the shrine.
この森は古くから聖域として守られてきた。
This forest has been protected as a sacred place since ancient times.
巡礼者たちは長い旅を経て、ついに聖域にたどり着いた。
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.
聖域なき改革を目指す。
Aim for reform with no sacred cows.
予算削減に聖域はないと首相が述べた。
The prime minister stated that there are no off-limits areas in budget cuts.
長年聖域とされてきた既得権益にメスを入れなければ、真の改革は実現しない。
Unless we tackle the vested interests that have long been considered untouchable, true reform will not be achieved.
USAGE NOTE:
Sense 2 is very common in political and journalistic language. The phrase 聖域なき改革 (reform with no sacred cows) became a well-known political slogan.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 聖域なき改革 (reform with no sacred cows)
- 聖域を設けない (allow no untouchable areas)
- 聖域にメスを入れる (cut into untouchable areas)
- 聖域を侵す (violate a sacred space)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 聖地: holy land, sacred site (more specifically a place of pilgrimage or worship)
- 禁足地: forbidden ground, restricted area (physically off-limits)