Translation guide
The concept of sanctity covers sacredness, holiness, and inviolability. In Japanese, it is expressed through words for sacredness, religious purity, and the idea of something being inviolable or deeply respected.
Expressing that something is sacred, holy, or connected to the divine.
The most common and direct translation for 'sanctity' in the sense of sacredness or holiness. Used for religious places, objects, or abstract concepts.
この場所の神聖さを守らなければならない。
We must protect the sanctity of this place.
An adjective meaning 'holy' or 'sacred', often used in religious or poetic contexts. It emphasizes the divine nature of something.
聖なる儀式が行われた。
A sacred ritual was performed.
While primarily meaning 'dignity', it can convey the sanctity of life or human worth in ethical contexts.
生命の尊厳を尊重する。
Respect the sanctity of life.
Refers to purity, cleanliness, often in a religious or ritual sense. Used in Shinto contexts for purification.
清浄な心で祈りを捧げる。
Offer prayers with a pure heart.
Expressing that something (like a promise, law, or right) is so important that it must not be violated or disrespected.
Means 'inviolable' or 'sacred' in the sense that something cannot be infringed upon. Often used in legal or formal contexts.
基本的人権の不可侵性は憲法で保障されている。
The sanctity of fundamental human rights is guaranteed by the constitution.
A set phrase meaning 'sacred and inviolable'. Stronger than 不可侵 alone, often used for principles like the sanctity of life or marriage.
生命は神聖不可侵である。
Life is sacred and inviolable.
Again, 'dignity' can imply sanctity when referring to the inviolable worth of something, like human life.
Literally 'sacred area', but metaphorically used for something that is off-limits or must not be interfered with, like a sanctuary.
Referring specifically to the sacredness of the marriage bond or solemn promises.
Direct phrase meaning 'sanctity of marriage'. Commonly used in discussions about marriage.
彼らは結婚の神聖さを信じている。
They believe in the sanctity of marriage.
Means 'marital bond', often implying a sacred or unbreakable connection. Not a direct translation but conveys the depth of the relationship.
夫婦の絆は神聖なものだ。
The marital bond is something sacred.
神聖 (shinsei) emphasizes religious or spiritual sacredness, while 不可侵 (fukashin) focuses on the legal or moral inviolability. Use 神聖 for holy places or rituals, and 不可侵 for rights or principles that must not be violated.
Directly translating 'sanctity' as サンクティティ is not used. Always choose a Japanese word based on the specific nuance: sacredness, inviolability, or dignity.
人間の尊厳は侵してはならない。
The sanctity of human dignity must not be violated.
家庭は聖域だ。
The home is a sanctuary (implying its sanctity).