Japanese word

尊敬

Pronunciation

Romajisonkei

Meaning

  • nounrespect

Example

私は先生を尊敬します。watashi wa sen sei o son kei shi ma su

I respect my teacher.

Illustration for 尊敬 (respect)

More examples

彼女の正直な態度は、同僚からの尊敬を集めています。kano jo no shō jiki na tai do wa dō ryō ka ra no son kei o atsu me te i ma su

Her honest attitude earns the respect of her colleagues.

Core concept

It describes recognizing a person or their qualities as worthy of high regard.

Common phrases

  • 尊敬に値するson kei ni atai su ru

    deserve respect

  • 尊敬を示すson kei o shime su

    show respect

  • 尊敬を集めるson kei o atsu me ru

    earn respect

Similar words

敬意keii: A feeling of deep regard for a person or their qualities, often shown through words or actions.
尊重sonchō: Recognition of the value of a person, thing, opinion, or right, shown through considerate treatment.

Definition in Japanese

他人の人格や行いを価値あるものとして敬う気持ち。ta nin no jin kaku ya okona i o ka chi a ru mo no to shi te uyama u ki mo chi

Word origin

尊 (son, "honor") and 敬 (kei, "reverence") form the Sino-Japanese compound 尊敬 (sonkei), combining the ideas of honoring and showing reverence.

Usage tips

  • Unlike a title of politeness, 尊敬 (sonkei) expresses personal regard for someone's character or abilities, so it can apply to a teacher, athlete, or family member.

Other meanings

  • esteemnoun
  • admirationnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 尊敬するsonkeisururespectverb
  • 尊敬心sonkeishinsense of respectnoun

Word lists with this word