Translation guide
The English word "sanctuary" can refer to a sacred space, a place of refuge, or a protected area for wildlife. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
A consecrated area within a religious building, especially the most sacred part.
General term for a sacred area or holy ground, often used for the innermost part of a shrine or temple.
Ordinary people cannot enter the sanctuary of that shrine.
Specifically the inner sanctuary or chancel of a Christian church, where the altar is located.
There is beautiful stained glass in the church sanctuary.
The main sanctuary building of a Shinto shrine, where the deity is enshrined.
Worshippers pray in front of the sanctuary.
A place offering protection from danger or pursuit, often with legal or moral immunity.
A shelter or refuge, especially from disasters or danger. Commonly used for evacuation centers.
After the earthquake, many people gathered at the sanctuary.
Also used metaphorically for a place of inviolable refuge, like a diplomatic sanctuary.
A place to escape to; a refuge. More casual and physical than 聖域.
A hideout or secret refuge, often used for a cozy, private retreat.
A protected area where animals and plants are conserved, often free from hunting or development.
聖域 emphasizes sacredness or inviolability, while 避難所 is purely about physical safety from danger. Use 聖域 for religious or metaphorical sanctuaries, and 避難所 for disaster shelters.
The loanword サンクチュアリ is sometimes used in Japanese, especially for wildlife sanctuaries or in fantasy contexts, but it is less common than native terms. Overusing it may sound unnatural.
大使館は一種の聖域と見なされます。
Embassies are considered a kind of sanctuary.
彼にとって図書館は心の逃げ場だった。
For him, the library was a sanctuary for his soul.
山の中の小さな小屋が私の隠れ家です。
A small cabin in the mountains is my sanctuary.
この森は禁猟区なので、動物が安心して暮らしています。
This forest is a sanctuary, so animals live here safely.
The wetland is designated as a nature sanctuary.