1.
sacred precinct; holy ground
The grounds of a shrine or temple that are considered sacred and sanctified.
ここから先は神域だ。
From here on is sacred ground.
鳥居をくぐると神域に入る。
When you pass through the torii gate, you enter the sacred precinct.
伊勢神宮の神域は広大な森に囲まれ、厳かな雰囲気が漂っている。
The sacred precinct of Ise Grand Shrine is surrounded by vast forests, with a solemn atmosphere in the air.
2.
godlike level; untouchable realm
A figurative use describing a level of skill, achievement, or quality so extraordinary that it seems beyond human ability.
あの選手の技術は神域だ。
That athlete's skill is on a godlike level.
彼のピアノの演奏は神域に達している。
His piano playing has reached a divine level.
長年の修行を経て、その職人の技はもはや神域と呼ぶにふさわしいものとなった。
After years of training, that craftsman's skill has become worthy of being called divine.
A compound of 神 (god, deity) and 域 (area, realm). In its original sense, it refers to the physical sacred grounds of a Shinto shrine, marked by 鳥居 (torii gates) or 注連縄 (sacred ropes).
The figurative sense has become very popular, especially in sports, entertainment, and internet culture, to describe something of superhuman quality. It is often used with 達する (to reach) or on its own as a predicate.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 神域に入る: to enter sacred ground
- 神域に達する: to reach a godlike level
- 神域の森: forest of the sacred precinct
- 神域レベル: godlike level (casual/internet)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 境内: temple/shrine grounds — the physical area within a religious compound
- 聖地: holy land, sacred place — broader term for any place considered holy
- 神: god — the figurative slang use ("godly") for something extraordinary