Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Sacred, holy, having supernatural power: Describes something (a place, object, deity, or concept) that is regarded with reverence because it is believed to possess a divine, spiritual, or miraculous power.
   • Numinous, spiritually potent: Conveys a sense of awe-inspiring spiritual presence or efficacy.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ngôi đền này rất linh thiêng. (This temple is very sacred.)
  • Người dân tin rằng vị thần núi rất linh thiêng. (The people believe the mountain deity is very holy/powerful.)
  • Đó là một truyền thống linh thiêng của dân tộc. (That is a sacred tradition of the people.)

Advanced Usage

• "thiêng liêng" vs. "linh thiêng": While both can mean "sacred," "thiêng liêng" often emphasizes deep solemnity and profound importance (e.g., - sacred maternal love), whereas "linh thiêng" more strongly implies supernatural power, efficacy, or divine response (e.g., - a spiritually potent temple).
• "linh thiêng" is frequently used to describe religious sites, deities, relics, or rituals believed to have miraculous or protective powers.

Variants and Related Words

• Thiêng (adj): Sacred, holy. (A shorter, sometimes more colloquial form).
• Thiêng liêng (adj): Sacred, hallowed, solemn. (Emphasizes reverence and profound importance).
• Linh ứng (adj/n): Miraculous response/effect. (Often used in a religious context for answered prayers or miracles).
• Linh diệu (adj): Mystically wonderful, miraculous.

Synonyms

• Thần thánh: Divine, godly.
• Huyền bí: Mysterious, mystical (focuses more on mystery than power).
• Kỳ diệu: Miraculous, wonderful (focuses on the wondrous effect).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Đất linh thiêng: Sacred land/holy ground.
  • Huế được coi là mảnh đất linh thiêng của Việt Nam. (Hue is considered a sacred land of Vietnam.)
• Vật linh thiêng: Sacred object.
  • Chiếc chuông cổ là một vật linh thiêng của ngôi làng. (The ancient bell is a sacred object of the village.)
• Không gian linh thiêng: Sacred space.
  • Bên trong chánh điện là một không gian linh thiêng. (Inside the main hall is a sacred space.)

1. to have supernatural power