NetChai Chinese
上帝是爱
shàng dì shì ài
God is love · trad. 上帝是愛

上帝是爱 (Shàngdì shì ài) is a direct translation of the Christian theological statement "God is love." It expresses a fundamental belief about the nature of God.

When to use it

This is a formal and theological statement, primarily used in religious contexts, especially within Christianity. It's not a phrase for casual conversation or everyday greetings.

How to pronounce it

Sounds like "SHAHNG-dee SHER EYE." Each syllable maintains its original tone: 上 (shàng) is a falling tone, 帝 (dì) is a falling tone, 是 (shì) is a falling tone, and 爱 (ài) is a falling tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 上帝就是爱shàng dì jiù shì àiGod *is* love (with emphasis)
  • 神是爱shén shì àiGod is love (using a more general term for god)
  • 神就是爱shén jiù shì àiGod *is* love (using a more general term for god, with emphasis)

Examples

圣经说上帝是爱。
shèng jīng shuō shàng dì shì ài 。
The Bible says God is love.
我们相信上帝是爱。
wǒ men xiāng xìn shàng dì shì ài 。
We believe God is love.
因为上帝是爱，他赐予我们生命。
yīn wèi shàng dì shì ài ， tā cì yǔ wǒ men shēng mìng 。
Because God is love, he gives us life.
Pro tip: While both 上帝 (Shàngdì) and 神 (Shén) can mean 'God,' 上帝 is more specifically used to refer to the Christian God, making '上帝是爱' the most common and direct translation of this particular phrase in a Christian context. 神 can be more general, referring to any deity or spirit.

Related phrases

和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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