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Kotomora

聖

holy, saint, sage, master, priest

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · grade 6FrequencyTop 2,000Strokes13

Readings

On'yomi

  • セイ
  • ショウ

Kun'yomi

  • ひじり

Nanori

  • きよ
  • さと
  • さとし
  • せ

Meaning

聖 centers on a person of exceptional wisdom, virtue, or sacred status: a sage, saint, or holy master. The priest sense is a natural extension of that sacred authority.

Most common words using 聖

20 of 201
  • 聖せい

    Saint; St.; S.

  • 聖ひじり

    highly virtuous monk

  • 聖書せいしょ
    N1

    Bible; the Scriptures; Holy Writ

  • 神聖しんせい
    N1

    holiness; sacredness; sanctity; dignity

  • 聖堂せいどう

    (Confucian) temple; church; sanctuary

  • 聖地せいち

    sacred place; holy ground; the Holy Land

  • 聖人せいじん

    saint

  • 聖なるせいなる

    holy; sacred

  • 聖職せいしょく

    esteemed profession (e.g. priest, monk, teacher, doctor, etc.); venerable vocation

  • 聖域せいいき

    sacred precincts; sanctuary; consecrated ground; holy ground

  • 聖戦せいせん

    holy war; crusade

  • 聖霊せいれい

    the Holy Ghost; the Holy Spirit

  • 聖母せいぼ

    mother of a holy person

  • 聖水せいすい

    holy water

  • 聖火せいか

    sacred fire; sacred flame

  • 聖者せいじゃ

    saint

  • 聖女せいじょ

    saint; holy woman

  • 聖歌せいか

    sacred song; hymn; chant

  • 大聖たいせい

    great sage

  • 大聖だいしょう

    Buddha

Explore all words using 聖 →

Study

Etymology

聖 combines 耳 (ear) and 口 (mouth) with 王 (king), suggesting a person who listens, speaks, and rules with wisdom. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component combination is well established.

Meaning mnemonic

A king (王) who uses his ears (耳) and mouth (口) wisely becomes a sage or saint. Picture a holy master listening carefully and speaking truth.

Reading mnemonic

For セイ, imagine a saintly figure saying 'say' as he preaches: 'say' -> セイ, and his holy words spread wisdom.