The kanji character for "saint" is pronounced "sei."
What does this kanji mean?
[Beginner's Level] Let's think about the meaning of kanji
It is said that this kanji is made up of three kanji with different meanings.
・"Ear" means a person's ear
・"Kuchi" means the vessel used when offering prayers to God, and the words of prayer.
・"King" means a person standing on tiptoe
These kanji characters together represent a person praying to God and listening to a divine revelation. Were you able to guess the meaning from the origin of the kanji characters?
The correct answer is..."holy" and "intelligent"
"Sei" is pronounced "sei" and is a kanji character used in situations and sentences like the example sentences to mean a person of great knowledge and morals, wisdom, or a clergyman who serves God.
Example sentences
"My father participated in the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics."
(Chichi wa Tōkyō orinpikku no seika rirē ni sanka shita koto ga aru.)
My father has participated in the Tokyo Olympic torch relay.
Example sentences
"During the excavation of the ruins, a mirror believed to have been used in sacred rituals was unearthed."
(Iseki no chōsa de wa, shinseina gishiki ni tsukawareta to sareru kagami ga hakkutsu sareta.)
Archaeological excavations unearthed mirrors allegedly used for sacred ceremonies.
[Intermediate Level] Learn about Christmas in Japan!
"Hijiri" is a kanji that is also used to refer to gods such as Christ. In Japan, "Hijiri" is also used in the kanji that represents Christmas, a famous event associated with Christ. Christmas is written as "seitansai" in Japanese, and refers to the festival celebrating the birth of Christ (a saint). Also, Christmas Eve, the day before December 25th, is sometimes called "Seiya" (Holy Night). In this way, "Hijiri" is a kanji that is also used to represent things related to Christmas.
The way Christmas is celebrated in Japan is a little different from that in the West. In the West, Christmas is often seen as a time for family, whereas in Japan it is often seen as a time to spend with lovers and friends. People spend the day together eating decorated Christmas cakes and fried chicken, and having a lively time.
Here are some idioms using the character "saint" that are related to Christmas.
・Choir (seikatai)
It refers to a choir that sings hymns and sacred songs at churches and masses, as well as at celebratory occasions such as Christmas events and weddings.
Example sentences
"My younger brother always seems to enjoy singing in the university choir."
(Otōto wa, daigaku no seikatai de itsumo tanoshi-sō ni utatte iru.)
My brother always sings happily in the college choir.
・Bible (seisho)
It refers to the scriptures of Christianity and Judaism. It is often called the "Bible" by simply adopting the English pronunciation.
Example sentences
"The Bible is famous as the best-selling book in the world."
(Seisho wa, sekai de mottomo ureta hon to shite yūmeida.)
The Bible is famous as the best-selling book in the world.
[Advanced] Learn idioms and phrases using the word "saint"!
"Saint" can also be used to describe someone who has mastered a particular field or someone who is extremely talented. Here are some expressions using "Saint" that are commonly used by Japanese people.
・Saint-Kunshi (Seijin-kunshi)
It means a very honorable person who has an extraordinary character and has acquired knowledge and culture. "Seijin" means a person with the highest character, and "Kunshi" means a person who excels in scholarship and knowledge.
The origin of the term "saint and gentleman (seijin-kunshi)" is said to be in China. Since ancient times, China has had a culture of describing ideal people who are respected by everyone as "saint (seijin)" or "gentleman (kunshi)." It is said that these two words were combined and came to be used in Japan as well. Generally, when people think of "saint and gentleman (seijin-kunshi)," the most famous people are "Buddha" and "Confucius."
Example sentences
"I was praised by my peers and had the illusion that I had become a saint."
(Watashi wa, nakama kara shōsan wo abi, “seijin-kunshi” ni demo natta ka no yō ni sakkaku shite shimatta.)
I was praised by my colleagues and had the illusion that I was a “perfect person.”
By combining the kanji for a specific field before 聖, you can express someone who excels in that field. For example, there are four:
・Gakusei
It refers to exceptionally talented composers, performers, and musical greats.
Example sentences
"Beethoven, who left behind many masterpieces, is said to be a musical genius."
(Kazukazu no meikyoku wo nokoshita bētōben wa “gakusei” to iwarete iru.)
Beethoven, who left behind many masterpieces, is said to be “gakusei.”
・Kisei
In Go and Shogi, it means a person with outstanding talent. It is a title given to those who win the Kisei tournament in Go and Shogi.
Example sentences
"The boy who made his debut as a professional shogi player went undefeated and became known as the 'Young Master of Shogi.'"
(Puro kishi to shite debyū shita shōnen wa, muhai de kachisusumi “wakaki kisei” to yobareru yō ni natta.)
The boy who made his debut as a professional shogi player won undefeated and became known as a “young master of shogi.”
・Poet Saint (shisei)
It means an extremely talented poet. While Li Bai, a representative Chinese poet, was called the "immortal poet," Du Fu was known as the "saint poet."
Example sentences
"He is known as the 'modern poet' and has left behind many wonderful works."
(Gendai no shisei to yobareru kare wa, kazukazu no subarashī sakuhin wo nokoshite iru.)
Called the “great poet of today,” he has left behind a number of wonderful works.
・Gasei
It means a very talented painter or a master of painting.
Example sentences
"Sesshu, who was active during the Muromachi period, left his name in the world as a master painter."
(Muromachi-jidai ni katsuyaku shita Sesshū wa, gasei to shite seken ni na wo nokoshita.)
Sesshu, who was active during the Muromachi period, left a name for himself as an excellent painter.
We have introduced the meaning and usage of the kanji character "聖" (saint). If you are interested in the unique expressions and usage of Japanese kanji, why not check out Let's Play KARUTA to learn about the meanings and origins of various kanji characters?