also: しょうじゃ
noun
saint; holy person
Refers to a person recognized for exceptional holiness, often in a religious context. Can also be used figuratively for someone of great virtue.
彼はまるで聖者のように寛大だ。
He is as generous as a saint.
その聖者は多くの奇跡を起こしたと言われている。
That saint is said to have performed many miracles.
聖人 is a more common term for 'saint' or 'sage', especially in Confucian or general contexts. 聖者 is slightly more literary or religious.
From Middle Chinese 聖者 (syeng tsyæX), meaning 'holy person'. The reading せいじゃ is the go-on reading, while しょうじゃ is the kan-on reading.