神聖な
shinsei na
The English word "divine" translates to Japanese as 神聖な (shinsei na).
神聖な is used to describe things that are sacred or holy, pertaining to a god. Depending on the context, other terms may be more appropriate: 神のような describes something that is god-like or godly, while the informal term 神業 is used to describe an extraordinary or amazing feat that seems like a divine act. In informal settings, 絶品 can also be used to describe something as divine or outstanding.
Meaning: of or pertaining to a god (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 神聖 is composed of the kanji 神, meaning god and 聖, meaning holy or sacred.
Which one should you use?
While 神聖な describes something in a qualitative sense as being sacred or holy, the phrase 神の is used to denote simple possession or a direct relation to a deity, such as "god's".
How does it change in a sentence?
神聖な is a na-adjective, which means it requires the particle な when it is used to directly modify a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
shinsei na
Did you know?
- While 神聖な describes holiness, the word 神 is often used as a slang prefix in modern Japanese to mean 'extremely' or 'super', such as 神対応 for 'divine customer service'.
- In Japanese culture, certain animals like the crow or the fox are sometimes seen as 神の使い, meaning 'messengers of the divine'.
- The word 神 (kami) used in 神聖な can refer to many things beyond a single monotheistic God. In Japanese culture, it encompasses a vast array of spirits, deities, and natural forces found in Shintoism.
Examples in context
- 神聖な儀式 (しんせいなぎしき)を行うConduct a divine ceremony
- 彼の声は神のような響きを持っているHis voice has a divine resonance
- 心の安らぎを感じる天國的な場所A heavenly place that brings peace to the heart
- 彼のダンスは本当に神業だHis dance is truly divine
- 彼女の歌声はまさに絶品だHer singing voice is absolutely divine
- 彼女は神聖な存在だ。She is a divine presence.
- この神のような風景を見てください。Please behold this divine scenery.
- その料理はまさに絶品です。That dish is truly divine.
- 彼の歌声は神業だね。His singing voice is divine!
- 神聖な儀式が行われた。Shinsei na gishiki ga okonawareta.A divine ritual was performed.
- この森は神聖な場所だ。Kono mori wa shinsei na basho da.This forest is a divine place.
- 神聖な使命を背負う。Shinsei na shimei o seou.To carry a divine mission.
Example conversation
Ren and Yui are visiting an ancient shrine.
- 蓮 Renこの森はとても神聖な雰囲気だね。Kono mori wa totemo shinseina fun'iki dane.This forest has a very divine atmosphere, doesn't it?
- 結衣 Yui本当。空気が澄んでいる気がするわ。Hontō. Kūki ga sumete iru ki ga suru wa.Truly. I feel like the air is pure.
- 蓮 Ren静かに歩こう。神聖な場所だからね。Shizukani arukō. Shinseina basho dakara ne.Let's walk quietly. It is a divine place, after all.
- 結衣 Yuiそうね。蓮、気を付けてね。Sō ne. Ren, ki o tsukete ne.You're right. Be careful, Ren.
