Santo dei Santi
The English phrase holy of holies is translated into Italian as Santo dei Santi.
Santo dei Santi refers to the most sacred place within a sacred building. While it can be used in a strictly religious context to refer to the innermost sanctuary of a temple, it is also used metaphorically in Italian to describe the most private or most sacred part of any place or subject.
Meaning: the most sacred place within a sacred building (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, the term Santu dî Santu is a dialect variation of Santo dei Santi.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the masculine singular noun Santo followed by the plural partitive article and noun dei Santi to express the superlative sense of the most holy.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase Santo dei Santi can be used to mock something that someone treats with an exaggerated or undeserved level of reverence.
- While 'Santo' is the translation for 'holy', it is also the standard Italian word for a 'Saint', making the phrase sound like 'Saint of the Saints' to an Italian ear.
- When used metaphorically, an Italian might refer to their most prized possession or a secret recipe as the Santo dei Santi of their collection.
Examples in context
- Molti si chiedono cosa si nasconda all'interno del Santo dei Santi.Many wonder what lies within the Holy of Holies.
- Il Santo dei Santi è nel tempio.The holy of holies is in the temple.
- Solo il sacerdote poteva entrare nel Santo dei Santi.Only the priest could enter the holy of holies.
- Cerchiamo di capire il significato del Santo dei Santi.Let's try to understand the meaning of the holy of holies.
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are visiting an ancient temple.
- MartinaGuarda, Lorenzo, quello è il Santo dei Santi.Look, Lorenzo, that is the holy of holies.
- LorenzoÈ incredibile, posso avvicinarmi?It's incredible, can I get closer?
- MartinaNo, Martina dice che è vietato l'ingresso.No, Martina says entry is forbidden.
- LorenzoCapisco, è un luogo davvero sacro.I understand, it is a truly sacred place.
