Japanese word

尊重

Pronunciation

Romajisonchō

Meaning

  • nounrespect

Example

私は友達の気持ちを尊重します。watashi wa tomo dachi no ki mo chi o son chō shi ma su

I respect my friend's feelings.

Illustration for 尊重 (respect)

More examples

学校では、一人ひとりの個性を尊重しています。gak kō de wa hito ri hi to ri no ko sei o son chō shi te i ma su

At school, we respect each person's individuality.

Core concept

Describes giving serious consideration to someone's worth, feelings, or choices rather than treating them lightly.

Common phrases

  • 個人の尊重ko jin no son chō

    respect for individuals

  • 相手を尊重するai te o son chō su ru

    respect the other person

  • 文化を尊重するbun ka o son chō su ru

    respect culture

Similar words

尊敬sonkei: A strong feeling of admiration and regard for a person's qualities or achievements.
敬意keii: A respectful attitude expressed toward a person, group, or institution, often in formal settings.
配慮hairyo: Careful attention to how a situation affects another person's feelings or needs.
重視jūshi: The act of giving particular importance to a person, matter, or choice.

Definition in Japanese

人や物事の価値を認め、その気持ちや立場を大切にすること。hito ya mono goto no ka chi o mito me so no ki mo chi ya tachi ba o tai setsu ni su ru ko to

Word origin

尊重 (sonchō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 尊 (son, "honor") and 重 (chō, "weight" or "importance"), so it conveys placing high importance on something.

Usage tips

  • English speakers often use respect for both people and their choices, as in the phrase "respect someone's decision," a use also covered by 尊重 (sonchō).

Other meanings

  • valuenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 尊重するsonchōsururespectverb

Word lists with this word