三位一体
sanmi-ittai[sã̠mʲːi it̚ta̠i]
The English phrase 'trinity' is translated into Japanese as 三位一体 (sanmi-ittai).
In a Christian context, 三位一体 refers to the three persons of the Godhead. Beyond theology, the term is also used metaphorically to describe a set of three things that are inseparable or function as a single unit. For a group or set of three people or things, the word 三つ組 or 三位一体 can be used.
Meaning: Christianity: three persons of the Godhead (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 三位一体 is composed of 三 (three), 位 (position/rank) and 一体 (one body/unity), literally meaning 'three positions/persons one body'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
sanmi-ittai
Did you know?
- The word 一体 in 三位一体 also means 'what on earth' when used in questions. For example, 一体何? means 'what on earth is it?'
- Although it translates as 'trinity', 三位一体 is frequently used in secular Japanese anime and manga to describe 'three-in-one' fusion attacks or power-ups.
- The term 三位一体 contains a linguistic phenomenon called renjō, where the reading of the character 位 shifts from 'i' to 'mi' to create a smoother sound when joined with the following word.
Examples in context
- キリスト教の三位一体について学びます。Kirisutokyou no sanmiitai ni tsuite manabimasu.I will learn about the Christian Trinity.
- 三位一体の教義は複雑です。Sanmiitai no kyougi wa fukuzatsu desu.The doctrine of the Trinity is complex.
- 彼は三位一体の意味を調べています。Kare wa sanmiitai no imi o shirabete imasu.He is looking up the meaning of the Trinity.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their theology homework in a library.
- 美咲 Misaki陽太さんは三位一体を理解できましたか？Youta-san wa sanmiitai o rikai dekimashita ka?Youta, were you able to understand the Trinity?
- 陽太 Yotaいえ、まだ少し難しいです。Ie, mada sukoshi muzukashii desu.No, it is still a little difficult.
- 美咲 Misaki一緒に教義を調べましょう。Issho ni kyougi o shirabemashou.Let's look up the doctrine together.
- 陽太 Yotaありがとうございます、美咲さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trinity” translations and entries 三位一体, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 三位一体, CC BY-SA 4.0.
