Translation guide
Refers to land or a place considered holy, consecrated, or spiritually significant. In Japanese, the expression varies depending on whether it's a general sacred area, a specific shrine/temple precinct, or a metaphorical 'hallowed ground'.
A place that is spiritually pure, consecrated, or protected by divine power, often in religious or mythological contexts.
The most common and versatile term for 'sacred ground' or 'holy land'. Used for religious sites, pilgrimage destinations, and even metaphorical 'meccas' (e.g., for fans).
ここは古くから聖地として崇められてきた。
This place has been revered as sacred ground since ancient times.
エルサレムは三つの宗教の聖地だ。
Jerusalem is a sacred ground for three religions.
A place believed to be imbued with spiritual power, often associated with ascetic practices, pilgrimages, or miraculous events. Slightly more mystical than 聖地.
四国八十八箇所は有名な霊場巡りの地です。
The 88 temples of Shikoku are famous sacred grounds for pilgrimage.
Specifically the sacred precincts of a Shinto shrine, considered the domain of the kami (gods). Often marked by a torii gate.
鳥居の先は神域だから、帽子を取ってください。
Beyond the torii is sacred ground, so please remove your hat.
The physical area within a Shinto shrine or Buddhist temple compound, often considered sacred.
The standard term for the grounds of a shrine or temple. It implies the area is consecrated but is used in everyday language.
神社の境内では静かにしてください。
Please be quiet on the shrine's sacred grounds.
そのお寺の境内には古い桜の木がある。
There is an old cherry tree on the temple's sacred grounds.
A place that is highly respected or revered for historical, cultural, or personal reasons, not necessarily religious.
Also used metaphorically, just like 'sacred ground' in English. Common for places important to a subculture (e.g., anime locations) or historic events.
アニメファンにとって、この町は聖地だ。
For anime fans, this town is sacred ground.
彼にとって、初めて彼女と会った公園は聖地のような場所だ。
For him, the park where he first met his girlfriend is like sacred ground.
Land specifically blessed or set aside for burials, often in a Christian context.
General term for cemetery or graveyard. While not inherently 'sacred', it is the most common word for burial ground. To emphasize consecration, add 聖なる (sacred).
彼は聖なる墓地に埋葬された。
He was buried in sacred ground.
Can be used for a burial ground considered holy, but 墓地 is more specific for cemeteries.
聖地 (seichi) is a broad term for any sacred place, including metaphorical ones. 境内 (keidai) specifically refers to the physical grounds of a shrine or temple. Use 境内 when talking about the actual compound, and 聖地 for the concept of a holy site.
伊勢神宮の境内はとても広い。
The grounds of Ise Shrine are very spacious.
伊勢神宮は日本人にとって大切な聖地だ。
Ise Shrine is an important sacred ground for Japanese people.
Japanese often uses 聖地 metaphorically, just like English 'sacred ground' or 'mecca'. It's perfectly natural to say アニメの聖地 (anime sacred ground) or 野球の聖地 (sacred ground of baseball, e.g., Koshien Stadium).
The area behind the church is used as sacred ground.