Translation guide
The English word "holy" refers to something sacred, set apart for religious purposes, or morally pure. In Japanese, there is no single direct equivalent; the best choice depends on context, such as religious tradition, moral purity, or figurative use.
Describing something set apart for a deity or religious purpose, such as a place, object, or person.
A general adjective meaning 'sacred' or 'holy', used for places, objects, or concepts with religious significance. Common in both Shinto and Christian contexts.
This place is a holy place.
Literary or formal adjective meaning 'holy' or 'sacred', often used in religious texts, prayers, or poetic language. Common in Christianity.
Holy God, please protect us.
Archaic or literary adjective meaning 'pure' or 'holy', often used in religious or poetic contexts. Rare in modern conversation.
Have a pure heart.
Describing a person of exceptional virtue, often in a religious sense.
Noun meaning 'saint' or 'holy person'. Used for canonized saints in Christianity or exceptionally virtuous individuals in other traditions.
He is like a saint.
Adjective meaning 'pure' or 'clean', often used for a person's heart or character. Less specifically religious than 'holy'.
She has a pure heart.
Referring to a sacred text, such as the Bible.
Specifically means 'the Bible' in Christian contexts. Can also refer to sacred scriptures of other religions when qualified.
I read the Bible every day.
General term for 'scripture' or 'sutra', used in Buddhism and other religions. Not typically used for the Bible.
Describing a religious holiday or sacred day.
General word for 'holiday' or 'national holiday'. Not inherently religious, but used for days like Christmas (クリスマス) which is a 祝日 in some contexts.
Christmas is a holy day for Christians.
Specifically a 'festival day' or 'religious holiday', often associated with Shinto or Buddhist festivals.
Used as an intensifier in exclamations like 'Holy cow!' or 'Holy moly!'
Japanese does not use 'holy' in exclamations. Instead, use expressions like すごい！ (sugoi), なんてこった！ (nante kotta), or まじか！ (majika) depending on the situation.
Holy cow! Did you see that?
Holy moly!
Do not translate 'holy' literally in exclamations like 'Holy cow!' or 'Holy moly!'. Japanese does not use 神聖な or 聖なる in such expressions. Use natural Japanese exclamations instead.
神聖な (shinsei na) is the most common and neutral adjective for 'holy' or 'sacred'. 聖なる (sei naru) is more literary and often used in fixed religious phrases or poetic language. In everyday speech, 神聖な is preferred.
仏教の経典を学ぶ。
Study Buddhist scriptures.
神社の祭日には多くの人が集まる。
Many people gather on the shrine's holy day.