holy monk; saintly priest; Buddhist solitary; Buddhist missionary
Refers to a highly virtuous Buddhist monk, often one who lives in seclusion or travels to spread teachings. Sense 2 is an honorific use for any monk. Sense 3 specifically denotes a solitary practitioner. Sense 4 is a missionary, as in 高野聖 (Kōya hijiri).
A person of exceptional virtue, not limited to Buddhism. Can be used metaphorically for anyone of great moral character.
Archaic honorific term for the emperor. Not used in modern Japanese.
Used in the pattern 〜の聖 to indicate a master or expert in a field, e.g., 歌の聖 (master of poetry).
He was hailed as a master of poetry.
Kōya hijiri were monks who traveled around the country to spread Buddhism in the past.
He left the secular world and secluded himself in the mountains as a holy monk.
She is like a saint.
In ancient documents, there are examples where 聖 refers to the emperor.
He was a poet so great that he was called the 'master of poetry'.
He is revered as a saint in that region.
高僧 specifically means a high-ranking or eminent monk, while 聖 stresses personal virtue or solitary/missionary practice rather than institutional rank.
Standard kanji spelling for all senses.
Kana spelling is sometimes used for clarity or in children's materials.
Originally referred to a person of high virtue or holiness, especially in a Buddhist context. The reading ひじり is of native Japanese origin, while the kanji 聖 carries the meaning of 'holy' or 'sage'. The exact derivation of ひじり is uncertain, but it may be related to 日知り (sun-knower) or 火知り (fire-knower), suggesting one who knows the divine or natural order.