adjective HSK 5
Traditional 神聖
shén shèng
sacred · holy · divine · sacrosanct

Meaning

神圣 describes something that is sacred, holy, or deserving of deep reverence. It carries connotations of being set apart from the ordinary, possessing spiritual significance, and being inviolable. The word is used for religious concepts, solemn duties, or things that command ultimate respect.

Usage

This word appears in formal, serious contexts—religious texts, patriotic speeches, solemn declarations, and discussions of fundamental rights or duties. Native speakers use it to emphasize the utmost importance and inviolability of something. Common collocations include 神圣的使命 (sacred mission) and 神圣不可侵犯 (sacred and inviolable).

Examples

  1. 01
    保卫祖国是每个公民神圣的职责。
    Bǎo wèi guó shì měi gōng mín shén shèng de zhí .
    Defending the motherland is every citizen's sacred duty.
  2. 02
    在许多文化中,婚姻被视为神圣的结合。
    Zài duō wén huà zhōng, hūn yīn bèi shì wéi shén shèng de jié .
    In many cultures, marriage is viewed as a sacred union.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 神圣的使命
    shén shèng de shǐ mìng
    sacred mission
  • 神圣不可侵犯
    shén shèng qīn fàn
    sacred and inviolable
  • 神圣的职责
    shén shèng de zhí
    sacred duty
  • 神圣的权利
    shén shèng de quán
    sacred right

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 神 (divine/spiritual) and 圣 (sage/holy), both characters with ancient religious and philosophical significance in Chinese culture. Together they create a compound emphasizing the highest level of sacredness.

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