1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “聖” (sei) means “holy” or “sacred.” It is often associated with divinity, spirituality, and purity. This character is used to describe things that are revered or considered sacred in various contexts, including religion and culture.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “聖” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “ear” (耳) and the character “生” (sei), which means “to be born” or “life.” This combination suggests the idea of receiving divine messages or wisdom.
Radical: The radical of “聖” is 耳 (ear), which relates to listening or hearing, emphasizing the importance of receiving knowledge or spiritual insight.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases:
- 聖書 (せいしょ, seisho) – Bible
- 聖人 (せいじん, seijin) – Saint
- 聖なる (せいなる, seinaru) – Sacred
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この教会はとても聖なる場所です。 (This church is a very sacred place.)
- 彼は聖人のような人です。 (He is like a saint.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji:
- 神 (かみ, kami) – God; this kanji refers more specifically to deities or divine beings, while “聖” emphasizes holiness.
- 清 (きよい, kiyoi) – Pure; this kanji focuses on purity, which can be a characteristic of the holy.
Antonyms:
- 邪 (じゃ, ja) – Evil; this kanji represents something wicked or immoral, contrasting with the sacred nature of “聖.”
- 不浄 (ふじょう, fujou) – Impure; this term indicates something that is unclean or contaminated, opposing the idea of holiness.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of “聖” is deeply embedded in Japanese culture, particularly in Shinto and Buddhism, where sacred places and figures are revered. The term is often used in religious contexts and ceremonies.
Proverbs and Idioms:
- 聖なるものは、常に人々に希望を与える。 (The sacred always gives hope to people.)
- 聖人の教えは、時代を超えて生き続ける。 (The teachings of saints live on beyond time.)