1.
cathedral; church; sanctuary; sacred hall
A large or important church or religious building, especially one serving as the principal church of a diocese. Also used for Confucian temples in Japanese historical contexts.
聖堂 combines 聖 (holy) and 堂 (hall). It has two main uses depending on context.
Usage
1. Christian context: a church or cathedral
2. Japanese history: a Confucian temple, notably 湯島聖堂 in Tokyo
Compounds
Related words
聖堂 implies a larger, more important building than 教会.
Related Words
Related:
教会 (church)
Related:
寺院 (Buddhist temple)
Related:
神社 (Shinto shrine)
Related:
礼拝堂 (chapel)
Related:
礼拝堂 (chapel)