神圣
shénshèng
The English word "divine" translates to Mandarin as 神圣 (shénshèng).
神圣 is used to describe things that are considered sacred, inviolable or set apart by religious or moral authority, such as a 神圣的任务 (divine mission).
Meaning: of or pertaining to a god (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 神 (shén), meaning god or spirit and 圣 (shèng), meaning holy or saintly.
Which one should you use?
While 神圣 describes things that are divine, sacred or holy, the term 神的 is a formal term specifically meaning "divine" or "belonging to God".
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using 神圣 as an adjective to modify a noun, it is common to add the particle 的 (de) to form 神圣的.
How do you pronounce it?
shénshèng
Did you know?
- The character 圣 (shèng) originally depicted a person with a large mouth or a musical instrument, symbolizing a sage who could teach through song and speech.
- While 神圣 is strictly positive, the word for god 神 can be used in the phrase 神经过敏 to describe someone who is 'overly sensitive' or 'neurotic'.
- The character 神 (shén) can be used in the word 眼神 (yǎnshén) to describe the 'spirit' or 'expression' in someone's eyes.
Examples in context
- 这个庙宇被视为神圣的地方。This temple is considered a sacred place.
- 我们应该尊重每个人的神圣信仰。We should respect everyone's divine beliefs.
- 这道菜真是天赐美味！This dish is truly divine!
- 爵士音乐就像是天赐的艺术。Jazz music is like a divine art form.
- 这里的气氛非常神圣。Zhèlǐ de qìfēn fēicháng shénshèng.The atmosphere here is very divine.
- 他觉得这种音乐带有神圣的力量。Tā juédé zhè zhǒng yīnyuè dàidài shénshèng de lìliàng.He feels this music carries a divine power.
- 那座古庙充满了神圣的感觉。Nà zuò gǔmiào chōngmǎnle shénshèng de gǎnjué.That ancient temple is filled with a divine feeling.
Example conversation
Two friends are visiting an ancient temple.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这里的气氛感觉很神圣。Zhèlǐ de qìfēn gǎnjué hěn shénshèng.The atmosphere here feels divine.
- 伟 Wei没错，我感受到了安静。Méicuò, wǒ gǎnshòu dào le ānjìng.Exactly, I feel a sense of peace.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我们要保持安静和尊重。Wǒmen yào bǎochí ānjìng hé zūnzhòng.We should remain quiet and respectful.
- 伟 Wei当然，我也这么觉得。Dāngrán, wǒ yě zhème juéde.Of course, I feel the same way.
