上帝是伟大的
shàngdì shì wěidà de
The English phrase "God is great" is expressed in Chinese as 上帝是伟大的 (shàngdì shì wěidà de).
This phrase is used to praise the power and majesty of a deity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 上帝 (God), 是 (is), 伟大 (great) and 的 (a particle used here to form an adjective phrase).
Which one should you use?
While 上帝 specifically refers to the monotheistic Christian/Abrahamic God, 神 is a more general term for a god, deity or spirit.
How do you pronounce it?
shàngdì shì wěidà de
Did you know?
- While 上帝 is now used for the Abrahamic God, the term originally referred to a supreme celestial deity in ancient Chinese religion long before Christianity arrived in China.
- The word 神 (god/spirit) can also mean 'magical' or 'miraculous' when used as an adjective, such as describing a 'god-like' skill in a video game or sport.
- If a speaker replaces 上帝 with 天, they are referring to 'Heaven' as a sentient, governing force, a concept central to the traditional 'Mandate of Heaven' that legitimized Chinese emperors.
Examples in context
- 我们要相信，上帝是伟大的。Wǒmen yào xiāngxìn, Shàngdì shì wěidà de.We must believe that God is great.
- 在信徒心中，上帝是伟大的。Zài xìntú xīnzhōng, Shàngdì shì wěidà de.In the hearts of believers, God is great.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their faith in a quiet park.
- 浩然 Haoran你相信上帝吗？Nǐ xiāngxìn Shàngdì ma?Do you believe in God?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，我觉得上帝是伟大的。Shì de, wǒ juéde Shàngdì shì wěidà de.Yes, I feel that God is great.
- 浩然 Haoran我也这么觉得。Wǒ yě zhème juéde.I feel the same way.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这种信仰给我很多力量。Zhè zhǒng xìnyǎng gěi wǒ hěnduō lìliàng.This faith gives me a lot of strength.
