If you’re interested in learning how to say “Bible” in Chinese, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways of saying “Bible” in Chinese, along with some tips, examples, and regional variations. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways
When it comes to formal ways of saying “Bible” in Chinese, the most commonly used term is “圣经” (shèngjīng). This term is widely recognized and used across different Chinese-speaking regions and is commonly used in written and formal contexts. For example:
“我正在读《圣经》。” (Wǒ zhèngzài dú shèngjīng.)
“I am reading the Bible.”
Another formal term that you might come across is “圣书” (shèngshū). While less commonly used than “圣经,” it still refers to the Bible as a holy book and can be used interchangeably in many situations. For instance:
“这是一本非常重要的《圣书》。” (Zhè shì yī běn fēicháng zhòngyào de shèngshū.)
“This is a very important holy book.”
Informal Ways
If you’re looking for more informal or colloquial ways of referring to the Bible in Chinese, you may come across the term “经书” (jīngshū). This term is commonly used in spoken language and can be heard in casual conversations. An example would be:
“我昨天看了一本《经书》。” (Wǒ zuótiān kànle yī běn jīngshū.)
“I read a book of the Bible yesterday.”
Additionally, it’s worth noting that sometimes the English term “Bible” is directly transliterated into Chinese as “Bible” (bǎi bǔ) or “Baibao” (拜保). These transliterations are commonly used among Christians or when referring to the Bible in English. However, please note that using the proper Chinese terms mentioned earlier is generally recommended for a more accurate and native expression.
Regional Variations
In terms of regional variations, the terms “圣经” (shèngjīng) and “圣书” (shèngshū) are widely understood and used across different Chinese-speaking regions. However, it’s worth mentioning that some regional variations exist, especially when it comes to dialects or local customs.
For example, in Cantonese, a southern Chinese dialect commonly spoken in Hong Kong and Guangdong province, the term “聖經” (sing ging) is used to refer to the Bible. You might also encounter variations in other Chinese dialects or specific cultural contexts. Nonetheless, if you stick to the formal, widely recognized terms mentioned earlier, you can be confident in communicating about the Bible in Chinese.
Additional Tips and Examples
To help you understand the usage of these terms further, here are a few additional tips and examples:
- When talking about a specific book from the Bible, you can use the term “书” (shū), meaning “book,” followed by the name of the book. For example:
“这本《圣经》里的书对我很有启发。” (Zhè běn shèngjīng lǐ de shū duì wǒ hěn yǒu qǐfā.)
“The book in this Bible is very inspiring to me.”
- If you want to refer to the Bible as a collection of religious writings instead of just a single book, you can use the term “宗教经典” (zōngjiào jīngdiǎn), meaning “religious scriptures.” For example:
“这个文化课程涵盖了不同宗教经典，包括了《圣经》。” (Zhè gè wénhuà kèchéng hán gài le bùtóng zōngjiào jīngdiǎn, bāokuò le shèngjīng.)
“This cultural course covers various religious scriptures, including the Bible.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “Bible” in Chinese. Remember to use “圣经” (shèngjīng) or “圣书” (shèngshū) for formal situations, and “经书” (jīngshū) for more informal contexts. It’s also great to know that the English term “Bible” can be directly transliterated as “Bible” (bǎi bǔ) or “Baibao” (拜保) in certain contexts. Keep in mind the regional variations but focus on the widely recognized terms for better communication. Enjoy exploring the teachings and wisdom within the Bible in Chinese!
