Translation guide
The concept of being made holy, set apart, or purified, often in a religious context. This guide covers how to express this idea naturally in Japanese, from common religious terms to more general expressions of purification.
To refer to the process of being made holy or set apart for God, especially in Christian theology.
The standard theological term for sanctification in Christianity. It directly means 'making holy' and is widely used in churches and Christian literature.
Sanctification is carried out by the work of the Holy Spirit.
Often translated as 'consecration' or 'sanctification', emphasizing being set apart for a sacred purpose. Used in both Catholic and Protestant contexts.
Consecrate oneself to God.
A more general term for purification or cleansing, which can be used for sanctification in a broader sense, though less technical than 聖化.
Seek purification of the heart.
To express the idea of making something pure or clean, often in a moral or spiritual sense, but not necessarily tied to Christian doctrine.
Means purification or cleansing, used for both physical and spiritual contexts. Common in discussions of rituals or self-improvement.
Aim for spiritual purification.
Refers to purity or cleanliness, often in a ritual or Shinto context. Can be used as a noun or adjective (清浄な).
A Shinto purification ritual involving water. It is a specific cultural practice, not a general term for sanctification, but can be used metaphorically.
To describe the state of being holy or set apart as sacred, often in a religious or formal context.
Literally 'making divine/sacred'. It can imply sanctification but sometimes carries a nuance of deification or making something overly revered.
That place was sanctified.
A phrase meaning 'to make something holy'. It is more descriptive and less technical than 聖化.
Make this land holy.
Both are used in Christian contexts, but 聖化 emphasizes the ongoing process of becoming holy, while 聖別 often refers to the act of being set apart for God's use. In many churches, 聖化 is the standard term for sanctification in systematic theology.
While 神聖 means 'sacred' or 'holy', simply using 神聖化 may not convey the Christian concept of sanctification accurately. It can imply making something into a god or idol. Stick to 聖化 for theological precision.
清浄な心を保つ。
Maintain a pure heart.
Purify oneself through misogi.