圣餐
shèngcān
Holy Communion in Mandarin is 圣餐 (shèngcān).
圣餐 is the name used for the Christian sacrament of Holy Communion. To describe the act of participating in or receiving the sacrament, you can use the phrase 领圣餐, which combines the noun with the verb 领 (to receive).
Meaning: Christian sacrament (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 圣餐 is composed of 圣, meaning 'holy' or 'sacred' and 餐, meaning 'meal' or 'food'.
Which one should you use?
While 圣餐 refers to the sacrament itself, you can use 圣餐礼 to refer specifically to the Holy Communion service or rite by adding the suffix 礼, which means 'ceremony'.
How do you pronounce it?
shèngcān
Did you know?
- The character 圣 (holy) is also used to describe the 'Sages' of Confucianism, meaning the term for 'holy communion' shares a root with ancient Chinese philosophical ideals of moral perfection.
- The verb 领 (to receive) in 领圣餐 is the same word used for collecting a paycheck or a pension, suggesting a 'receiving' of something that is owed or granted by an authority.
- The character 礼 used in 圣餐礼 (communion service) is the same character used for 礼貌 (politeness). In Chinese culture, the ritual of communion is framed as a form of sacred etiquette.
Examples in context
- 在这个教堂，我们每个星期日都庆祝圣餐。At this church, we celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday.
- 明天是圣餐日，所以我们需要准备圣饼圣杯。Tomorrow is communion day, so we need to prepare the bread and the cup.
- 他在准备圣餐的仪式。Tā zài zhǔnbèi shèngcān de yíshì.He is preparing the ceremony for holy communion.
- 圣餐对信徒很重要。Shèngcān duì xìntú hěn zhòngyào.Holy communion is very important to believers.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their church activities.
- 伟 Wei欣怡，你今天去参加圣餐了吗？Xīnyí, nǐ jīntiān qù cānjiā shèngcān le ma?Xinyi, did you go to holy communion today?
- 欣怡 Xinyi我参加了，非常有意义。Wǒ cānjiā le, fēicháng yǒu yìyì.I did, it was very meaningful.
- 伟 Wei我也很重视圣餐的时刻。Wǒ yě hěn zhòngshì shèngcān de shíkè.I also value the moment of holy communion.
- 欣怡 Xinyi是的，伟，我们应该虔诚对待。Shì de, Wěi, wǒmen yīnggāi qiánchéng duìdài.Yes, Wei, we should treat it with devotion.
