Chinese word

敬爱

Pronunciation

Pinyinjìng ài

Meaning

  • verblove and respect

Example

孩子们都很敬爱她。hái zi men dōu hěn jìng ài tā

The children all love and respect her.

Illustration for 敬爱 (love and respect)

More examples

孩子们都很敬爱父母。hái zi men dōu hěn jìng ài fù mǔ

The children all love and respect their parents.

Core concept

Hold someone in high esteem while feeling warm, protective affection for them.

Common phrases

  • 敬爱父母jìng ài fù mǔ

    love and respect one's parents

  • 敬爱老师jìng ài lǎo shī

    love and respect one's teacher

  • 敬爱长辈jìng ài zhǎng bèi

    love and respect one's elders

Similar words

尊敬zūn jìng: To hold someone in high regard because of their character or abilities.
爱ài: To feel deep, strong affection for someone with whom there is a close bond.
喜欢xǐ huān: To feel that someone or something is pleasant and appealing.
尊重zūn zhòng: To value another person's dignity, opinions, and choices.

Definition in Chinese

对某人同时抱有尊敬和深厚的爱护或敬慕之情。duì mǒu rén tóng shí bào yǒu zūn jìng hé shēn hòu de ài hù huò jìng mù zhī qíng

Word origin

敬 (jìng, "respect") + 爱 (ài, "love") combines regard for a person's worth with affectionate care.

Usage tips

  • Formal letters and public remarks often use this word for an honored person, whereas casual conversation normally chooses simpler expressions.

Opposites

Word lists with this word