Japanese word

尊厳

Pronunciation

Romajisongen

Meaning

  • noundignity

Example

すべての人の尊厳を守らなければなりません。su be te no hito no son gen o mamo ra na ke re ba na ri ma se n

We must protect everyone's dignity.

Illustration for 尊厳 (dignity)

More examples

患者の尊厳を大切にする医療が求められています。kan ja no son gen o tai setsu ni su ru i ryō ga moto me ra re te i ma su

Healthcare that respects patients' dignity is needed.

Core concept

Centers on an inherent worth that calls for respectful treatment and can also appear as stately or sacred grandeur.

Common phrases

  • 尊厳を守るson gen o mamo ru

    preserve human dignity

  • 人間の尊厳nin gen no son gen

    human dignity

  • 尊厳を尊重するson gen o son chō su ru

    show respect for human dignity

  • 尊厳を傷つけるson gen o kizu tsu ke ru

    undermine a person's dignity

Similar words

威厳igen: A serious and impressive presence that naturally commands respect.
品位hini: A refined quality shown in one's behavior, appearance, or manner.
貫禄kanroku: A dignified air that comes from experience, status, or authority.

Definition in Japanese

人や物事に備わる、軽んじたり傷つけたりしてはならない価値や威厳。hito ya mono goto ni sona wa ru karo n ji ta ri kizu tsu ke ta ri shi te wa na ra na i ka chi ya i gen

Word origin

尊厳 (songen) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 尊 (son, "reverence") and 厳 (gen, "solemnity"), whose combination suggests worth marked by respect and gravity.

Usage tips

  • The phrase an air of dignity describes calm, self-possessed behavior, so the word can refer to outward bearing as well as inner worth.

Other meanings

  • majestynoun
  • sanctitynoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 尊厳性songenseidignitynoun

Word lists with this word