Japanese word

尊ぶ

Pronunciation

Romajitōtobu

Meaning

  • verbrespect

Example

先人の知恵を尊びます。sen jin no chi e o tōto bi ma su

We respect the wisdom of those who came before us.

Illustration for 尊ぶ (respect)

More examples

私たちは互いの違いを尊びます。watashi ta chi wa taga i no chiga i o tōto bi ma su

We respect each other's differences.

Core concept

Treats a person, thing, or principle as worthy of honor and gives it serious regard.

Common phrases

  • 命を尊ぶinochi o tōto bu

    respect life

  • 伝統を尊ぶden tō o tōto bu

    respect tradition

  • 自然を尊ぶshi zen o tōto bu

    respect nature

Similar words

敬うuyamau: To show deep respect for a person because of age, character, or achievement.
重んじるomonjiru: To treat a value, rule, relationship, or tradition as important.
尊敬するsonkeisuru: To hold a person in high regard for their character, ability, or conduct.
仰ぐaogu: To look to a person as a respected authority or guide.

Definition in Japanese

尊いものとして敬い、大切に扱う。tōto i mo no to shi te uyama i tai setsu ni atsuka u

Word origin

尊ぶ (tōtobu) is a native Japanese verb built from the stem of 尊し (tōtoshi, "precious" or "worthy of honor") with a verb-forming ending.

Usage tips

  • The English word revere is usually stronger and more formal than respect, while 尊ぶ (tōtobu) can describe respect for people, wisdom, traditions, or life.

Other meanings

  • valueverb
  • revereverb

Opposites

  • 軽んじるkaronjirudisregardverb

Word lists with this word