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March 24, 2026
神圣(神聖)shénshèng(shen2sheng4)
神圣 (shén shèng) refers to something that is divine, holy, or sacred. It is often used in religious contexts to describe deities or sacred places, but can also refer to concepts or values that are deeply revered or respected within a culture.
Strokes14Frequency#3092DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, concepts of the divine and sacred are deeply intertwined with traditions such as Taoism and Buddhism, where many natural sites are considered sacred and are often pilgrimage destinations.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'divine' figure standing on a 'sacred' mountain, surrounded by a halo of light. The character 神 (shén) looks like a person with a godly aura, while 圣 (shèng) resembles a person holding a banner of honor, symbolizing holiness.
Meanings of 神圣
shénshèng(shen2sheng4)
1divine
2hallow
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 神圣
神圣Simplified
神聖Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3092Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 神圣
Podcast: 神圣
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AI Study Notes for 神圣
Quick Contrast
神圣 (shén shèng) vs 崇高 (chóng gāo) — use 神圣 for religious or sacred contexts, while 崇高 emphasizes nobility or high moral standards.
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in formal contexts, especially in religious discussions or when referring to revered traditions. A common mistake is using it in casual conversations where 'holy' or 'sacred' might not apply. Be careful with the pronunciation, as misplacing the tones can change the meaning significantly.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 6, students should focus on understanding the cultural and religious significance of this word. It connects with other words related to spirituality and reverence, deepening comprehension of topics in literature and philosophy.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 神圣 with simply 'holy' without understanding its deeper connotation of reverence and sanctity. For example, saying '这本书是神圣的' (This book is holy) might be misleading unless the book has significant cultural or religious importance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 神圣
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How Well Do You Know 神圣?
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Knowing 神圣 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
神圣 (shén shèng) refers to something that is divine, holy, or sacred. It is often used in religious contexts to describe deities or sacred places, but can also refer to concepts or values that are deeply revered or respected within a culture.
When to use 神圣
This term is typically used in formal contexts, especially in religious discussions or when referring to revered traditions. A common mistake is using it in casual conversations where 'holy' or 'sacred' might not apply. Be careful with the pronunciation, as misplacing the tones can change the meaning significantly.
神圣 or something close to it
神圣 (shén shèng) vs 崇高 (chóng gāo) — use 神圣 for religious or sacred contexts, while 崇高 emphasizes nobility or high moral standards.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 神圣 with simply 'holy' without understanding its deeper connotation of reverence and sanctity. For example, saying '这本书是神圣的' (This book is holy) might be misleading unless the book has significant cultural or religious importance.
Write 神圣
神
圣
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Grammar Patterns of 神圣
神圣 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
夫妇俩对婚姻的看法很传统，认为婚姻是____的结合。
The couple hold the unfashionable view that marriage is a sacred union.
Example Sentences for 神圣 (13)
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1
夫妇俩对婚姻的看法很传统，认为婚姻是神圣的结合。
fū fù liǎng duì hūn yīn de kàn fǎ hěn chuán tǒng， ， rèn wéi hūn yīn shì shén shèng de jié。
The couple hold the unfashionable view that marriage is a sacred union.
2
奇西克教堂为水手的守护神圣尼古拉而建。
qí xī kè jiào táng wéi shuǐ shǒu de shǒu hù shén shèng ní gǔ lā ér jiàn。
Chiswick church is dedicated to St Nicholas, patron saint of sailors.
