Chinese word

敬

Pronunciation

Pinyinjìng

Meaning

  • verbrespect

Example

我们应该尊敬长辈。wǒ men yīng gāi zūn jìng zhǎng bèi

We should respect our elders.

Illustration for 敬 (respect)

More examples

他非常尊敬老师。tā fēi cháng zūn jìng lǎo shī

He respects his teacher very much.

Core concept

Holding a person or valued thing in high regard and letting that regard shape one's conduct.

Common phrases

  • 尊敬长辈zūn jìng zhǎng bèi

    respect one's elders

  • 尊敬老师zūn jìng lǎo shī

    respect one's teacher

  • 敬礼jìng lǐ

    salute

Similar words

尊敬zūn jìng: Esteeming someone for their good character, abilities, or accomplishments.
尊重zūn zhòng: Giving careful consideration to another person's opinions, rights, or wishes.
敬爱jìng ài: Treating someone with affection and deep respect.
敬畏jìng wèi: Holding a powerful or sacred presence in awe and respectful fear.

Definition in Chinese

对长辈、权威或值得尊重的人或事物表示尊重或恭敬的态度或行为。duì zhǎng bèi quán wēi huò zhí de zūn zhòng de rén huò shì wù biǎo shì zūn zhòng huò gōng jìng de tài dù huò xíng wéi

Word origin

敬 (jìng, "respect") contains 攵 (pū, "action"), a component associated with an act, which fits the idea that regard is shown through behavior rather than kept only as a feeling.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, the single-syllable verb sounds more formal than ordinary ways of expressing respect, so it is especially useful for recognizing set phrases and respectful formulas.

Other meanings

  • esteemverb

Opposites

  • 轻视qīng shìlook down onverb
  • 蔑视miè shìdespiseverb

Related words

Word lists with this word