When you worry about something, you can use the word 担忧 (dānyōu).
It's often used when you are concerned about a situation or a person's well-being.
Think of it as having apprehension about something that might happen or is happening.
It's a straightforward way to express that you are feeling anxious or uneasy.
When you're feeling uneasy about something that might happen, the word to use is 担忧 (dānyōu). It's a versatile verb that expresses concern or apprehension. You can 担忧 about an upcoming exam, a friend's health, or even the weather if it affects your plans. It's a common way to talk about worrying about potential problems or difficulties. Keep in mind that it often implies a more sustained feeling of worry rather than a fleeting one.
When discussing worries or concerns in Chinese, 担忧 (dānyōu) is a versatile verb you'll frequently encounter. It means to worry, be apprehensive, or feel concern about something.
Unlike some other words for 'worry' in Chinese, 担忧 often implies a more profound or persistent feeling of apprehension, rather than just a fleeting thought.
It can be used to express concern about a situation, a person's well-being, or a potential outcome. For example, you might 担忧 someone's health, or 担忧 the future of a project.
While often used in more serious contexts, it's still common in everyday conversation to express a general sense of unease or concern.
§ Understanding 担忧 (dānyōu)
担忧 (dānyōu) is a verb in Chinese. It means 'to worry,' 'to be concerned,' or 'to have apprehension.' It's an A2-level word, which means it's pretty common and useful in everyday conversations.
- Definition
- Worry; concern; apprehension.
Let's break down how to use it in different sentence structures.
§ Basic Sentence Structure: Subject + 担忧 + Object
This is the most straightforward way to use 担忧. The 'object' is what the subject is worrying about.
他担忧他的健康。(Tā dānyōu tā de jiànkāng.)
Translation hint: He worries about his health.
我担忧考试结果。(Wǒ dānyōu kǎoshì jiéguǒ.)
Translation hint: I worry about the exam results.
§ Using 担忧 with a Clause
You can also use 担忧 to express worry about an entire situation or event, which is represented by a clause (a mini-sentence within a sentence).
我们担忧天气会变坏。(Wǒmen dānyōu tiānqì huì biàn huài.)
Translation hint: We worry the weather will get bad.
她担忧孩子一个人在家。(Tā dānyōu háizi yīgè rén zài jiā.)
Translation hint: She worries the child is home alone.
§ Adding Degree with Adverbs
You can use adverbs like 很 (hěn - very), 有点儿 (yǒudiǎnr - a bit), or 非常 (fēicháng - extremely) before 担忧 to show the intensity of the worry.
他很担忧这次旅行。(Tā hěn dānyōu zhè cì lǚxíng.)
Translation hint: He is very worried about this trip.
我有点儿担忧他的决定。(Wǒ yǒudiǎnr dānyōu tā de juédìng.)
Translation hint: I'm a bit worried about his decision.
§ Expressing 'No Worry' or 'Don't Worry'
To say 'don't worry,' you can simply add 不 (bù) before 担忧.
别担忧。(Bié dānyōu.)
Translation hint: Don't worry.
§ 担忧 as a Noun (less common but good to know)
Sometimes, 担忧 can also function as a noun, meaning 'worry' or 'concern.' In this case, it often appears with a measure word or in a phrase like 'expressing concern.'
他的担忧是有道理的。(Tā de dānyōu shì yǒu dàolǐ de.)
Translation hint: His worry is reasonable.
她对未来有很多担忧。(Tā duì wèilái yǒu hěnduō dānyōu.)
Translation hint: She has many concerns about the future.
§ Common Phrases and Prepositions with 担忧
While 担忧 doesn't always need a specific preposition, it can sometimes be paired with 对 (duì) when expressing worry towards something or someone, especially when acting as a noun or in a more formal context.
对…的担忧 (duì…de dānyōu): concern/worry about...
他对孩子的健康有担忧。(Tā duì háizi de jiànkāng yǒu dānyōu.)
Translation hint: He has concerns about his child's health.
令人担忧 (lìng rén dānyōu): causing worry, worrying
这个情况令人担忧。(Zhège qíngkuàng lìng rén dānyōu.)
Translation hint: This situation is worrying.
Mastering 担忧 will help you express a common human emotion in Chinese. Practice these sentence patterns, and you'll be using it like a pro in no time!
§ Don't confuse it with other 'worry' words
Chinese has several words that can be translated as 'worry', and it's easy to mix them up. While all express a similar sentiment, their usage often differs in formality, nuance, or the type of concern they convey. Let's look at a few common ones:
- DEFINITION
- 担忧 (dānyōu): This is a more formal and often stronger word for 'worry' or 'concern'. It implies a sense of apprehension or anxiety about a situation or a person's well-being. It's often used for significant concerns.
我担忧他的健康状况。(Wǒ dānyōu tā de jiànkāng zhuàngkuàng.) - I'm concerned about his health condition.
- DEFINITION
- 担心 (dānxīn): This is the most common and versatile word for 'to worry'. It's generally used for everyday concerns and can be applied to a wide range of situations, from big to small. It's less formal than 担忧.
别担心，一切都会好起来的。(Bié dānxīn, yīqiè dōu huì hǎo qǐlái de.) - Don't worry, everything will be fine.
- DEFINITION
- 发愁 (fāchóu): This often implies a sense of being troubled, distressed, or becoming anxious, usually due to a problem that's hard to solve or a difficult situation. It focuses more on the feeling of distress.
他为钱的不足而发愁。(Tā wèi qián de bùzú ér fāchóu.) - He's worried about the lack of money.
§ Incorrect grammatical patterns
While 担忧 is a verb, it can also act as a noun in certain contexts. However, learners sometimes struggle with the correct prepositions or sentence structures when using it.
- Using the wrong preposition: In English, we 'worry about' something. In Chinese, 担忧 usually directly takes an object, or you might use phrases like 对…担忧 (duì…dānyōu) or 为…担忧 (wèi…dānyōu) to express 'worry about/for'.
Incorrect: 我担忧关于他的安全。(Wǒ dānyōu guānyú tā de ānquán.)
Correct:
我担忧他的安全。(Wǒ dānyōu tā de ānquán.) - I worry about his safety.
我对他的安全感到担忧。(Wǒ duì tā de ānquán gǎndào dānyōu.) - I feel concerned about his safety.
我为他的安全而担忧。(Wǒ wèi tā de ānquán ér dānyōu.) - I'm worried for his safety.
- Using 担忧 as an adjective directly: 担忧 itself is a verb, and while it can sometimes function descriptively, it's not typically used directly as a predicative adjective like 'worried' in English. You'd usually need a structure like 感到担忧 (gǎndào dānyōu - feel worried) or 是担忧的 (shì dānyōu de - is worrying/concerned).
Incorrect: 他很担忧。(Tā hěn dānyōu.)
Correct:
他感到很担忧。(Tā gǎndào hěn dānyōu.) - He feels very worried.
这是一件令人担忧的事情。(Zhè shì yī jiàn lìng rén dānyōu de shìqíng.) - This is a worrying matter (literally: a matter that makes people worry).
§ Overusing 担忧 when 担心 is more natural
Because 担忧 sounds more formal and 'stronger', some learners might default to it for all 'worry' situations, thinking it's always the better choice. However, using 担忧 in casual, everyday contexts where 担心 would be more appropriate can sound unnatural or overly dramatic. Reserve 担忧 for situations that genuinely warrant a deeper level of concern or apprehension.
How Formal Is It?
"他对公司的未来深感忧虑。(He is deeply concerned about the company's future.)"
"我担心他会迟到。(I'm worried he will be late.)"
"你别为我操心了。(Don't you worry about me.)"
"我有点怕怕的。(I'm a little scared/worried.)"
"别慌，没事的。(Don't panic, it's nothing.)"
Wusstest du?
The radical for '忧' (忧) is '心' (xīn), meaning 'heart.' This emphasizes that worry is an emotion felt deeply within the heart or mind.
Aussprachehilfe
- confusing with '担心' (dānxīn)
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Two common characters, relatively easy to recognize.
Both characters have simple stroke orders and are common.
Tones are straightforward (flat tone, rising tone).
Clear pronunciation, often heard in daily conversations.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Beispiele nach Niveau
他对公司的未来感到担忧。
He feels worried about the company's future.
面对全球经济的不确定性，人们普遍感到担忧。
Facing global economic uncertainty, people generally feel worried.
她担忧孩子的健康问题。
She worries about her child's health problems.
政府对环境污染表示担忧。
The government expresses concern about environmental pollution.
尽管取得了成功，但他内心仍有一些担忧。
Despite the success, he still has some worries in his heart.
我们不应过分担忧那些尚未发生的事情。
We shouldn't worry too much about things that haven't happened yet.
由于天气原因，大家对航班能否按时起飞感到担忧。
Due to weather reasons, everyone is worried about whether the flight can take off on time.
我对他的决定没有丝毫担忧。
I have no slightest worry about his decision.
他对公司的未来感到担忧。
He is worried about the future of the company.
感到 (gǎndào) means to feel.
家长们对孩子的学习成绩感到担忧。
Parents are concerned about their children's academic performance.
对...感到担忧 (duì...gǎndào dānyōu) means to feel worried about something.
我担忧她一个人出门不安全。
I am apprehensive that she is not safe going out alone.
担忧 (dānyōu) can be followed by a clause expressing the reason for the worry.
这个消息引起了人们的普遍担忧。
This news has caused widespread concern among people.
引起 (yǐnqǐ) means to cause or arouse.
尽管情况复杂，但他并没有表现出担忧。
Although the situation was complicated, he did not show any worry.
表现出 (biǎoxiànchū) means to show or display.
我们担忧全球气候变暖对生态环境的影响。
We are concerned about the impact of global warming on the ecological environment.
对...的影响 (duì...de yǐngxiǎng) means the impact on something.
他脸上的担忧是显而易见的。
The worry on his face was obvious.
显而易见 (xiǎn'éryìjiàn) is an idiom meaning obvious or evident.
我们应该采取措施缓解大家的担忧。
We should take measures to alleviate everyone's concerns.
采取措施 (cǎiqǔ cuòshī) means to take measures; 缓解 (huǎnjiě) means to alleviate.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"杞人忧天 (qǐ rén yōu tiān)"
Groundless fears; to worry about imaginary troubles.
他总是杞人忧天，担心那些不可能发生的事情。
neutral"愁眉苦脸 (chóu méi kǔ liǎn)"
To have a worried and distressed expression.
别愁眉苦脸的，事情总会有办法解决的。
neutral"忧心忡忡 (yōu xīn chōng chōng)"
Deeply worried and anxious.
她对孩子的未来忧心忡忡。
formal"心神不宁 (xīn shén bù níng)"
To feel restless and uneasy.
考试前我总是心神不宁。
neutral"提心吊胆 (tí xīn diào dǎn)"
To be on tenterhooks; to be filled with anxiety.
每次坐飞机，我都提心吊胆的。
neutral"坐立不安 (zuò lì bù ān)"
To be fidgety; to be unable to sit or stand still due to anxiety.
等候结果时，他感到坐立不安。
neutral"心事重重 (xīn shì chóng chóng)"
To be preoccupied with many worries.
他最近心事重重，不知道遇到了什么麻烦。
neutral"忧国忧民 (yōu guó yōu mín)"
To be concerned about the country and its people.
作为一个有责任感的公民，他常常忧国忧民。
formal"患得患失 (huàn dé huàn shī)"
To be swayed by considerations of gain and loss; overly concerned with personal gains and losses.
他做事总是患得患失，不够果断。
neutral"寝食难安 (qǐn shí nán ān)"
To be so worried as to be unable to sleep or eat in peace.
因为项目进展不顺利，他最近寝食难安。
formalWortfamilie
Substantive
Adjektive
So verwendest du es
担忧 (dānyōu) is a verb that means to worry, be concerned, or feel apprehensive about something. It often expresses a feeling of unease or anxiety about a potential negative outcome. It can be used transitively (followed by an object) or intransitively.
Examples:
她很担忧明天的考试。 (She is very worried about tomorrow's exam.)
他对儿子的健康感到担忧。 (He feels concerned about his son's health.)
请不要担忧，一切都会好起来的。 (Please don't worry, everything will be fine.)
A common mistake is confusing 担忧 (dānyōu) with 担心 (dānxīn). While both mean 'to worry,' 担忧 often implies a deeper, more profound sense of worry or apprehension, sometimes over a longer period or about more significant matters. 担心 can be used for more general or immediate worries. However, in many everyday contexts, they can be used interchangeably. Another common mistake for English speakers is to forget that 担忧 is a verb and try to use it as a noun directly, similar to 'worry' in English. In Chinese, you would typically use constructions like '感到担忧' (gǎndào dānyōu - feel worried) to express the noun form of worry.
Incorrect: 我的担忧是... (My worry is...)
Correct: 我所担忧的是... (What I am worried about is...)
Wortherkunft
The character '担' (dān) originally depicted a person carrying something on a shoulder pole, signifying 'to bear' or 'to carry.' The character '忧' (yōu) depicts a person with a worried expression, signifying 'worry' or 'anxiety.'
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The combination of '担' and '忧' directly means 'to bear worry' or 'to carry concern.'
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic languages, Mandarin Chinese.Kultureller Kontext
When Chinese people use '担忧,' it often implies a deeper, more enduring concern than a fleeting worry. It can reflect a sense of responsibility or a long-term apprehension about future events. It's a common sentiment when discussing family, health, or significant life decisions.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Expressing worry about someone's health or well-being.
- 我很担忧你的健康。
- 她一直担忧着她妈妈。
- 别担忧，他会没事的。
Talking about concerns for the future or a situation.
- 我对未来感到担忧。
- 政府担忧经济状况。
- 你对这件事有什么担忧吗？
Describing someone who is generally anxious or prone to worrying.
- 他是个容易担忧的人。
- 她总是那么担忧。
- 她的脸上写满了担忧。
Discussing specific problems or challenges that cause concern.
- 我们担忧这个项目的进展。
- 学生们担忧考试成绩。
- 环境问题令人担忧。
Reassuring someone not to worry.
- 不用担忧，一切都会好起来的。
- 请别担忧，我会处理好的。
- 别为小事担忧。
Gesprächseinstiege
"你最近有什么担忧的事情吗？"
"你觉得人们现在最担忧的是什么？"
"当你的朋友遇到困难时，你会为他们担忧吗？"
"你有没有因为一些小事而过度担忧过？"
"你对你未来的学习或工作有什么担忧吗？"
Tagebuch-Impulse
写下你最近让你感到担忧的一件事，以及你为什么担忧。
描述一个你曾经非常担忧，但最终结果很好的经历。
你认为担忧对我们有什么积极或消极的影响？
当你感到担忧时，你会做些什么来缓解这种情绪？
如果你的朋友正在为某事担忧，你会怎么安慰他们？
Teste dich selbst 48 Fragen
Write a short sentence about something that makes you happy.
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Sample answer
我很高兴。
Write a sentence introducing yourself. Include your name and where you are from.
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我叫小明，我是中国人。
Write a simple question to ask someone how they are.
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你好吗？
Which one is 'my book'?
Read this passage:
这是我的书。那不是我的书。我的书在这里。
Which one is 'my book'?
The passage states '我的书在这里' which means 'my book is here'.
The passage states '我的书在这里' which means 'my book is here'.
What does the person like to eat?
Read this passage:
我喜欢吃米饭。我不喜欢吃面条。你喜欢吃什么？
What does the person like to eat?
The passage says '我喜欢吃米饭', meaning 'I like to eat rice'.
The passage says '我喜欢吃米饭', meaning 'I like to eat rice'.
Does he have a sister?
Read this passage:
他有一个哥哥。他没有妹妹。他爱他的家人。
Does he have a sister?
The passage states '他没有妹妹', which means 'he does not have a sister'.
The passage states '他没有妹妹', which means 'he does not have a sister'.
This sentence means 'I worry about the exam.' The typical Chinese sentence structure is Subject + Verb + Object.
This sentence means 'She is very worried.' '很' (hěn) is an adverb indicating 'very' and comes before the verb or adjective.
This sentence means 'He doesn't worry.' '不' (bù) is used to negate verbs and comes before the verb.
她很___孩子一个人在家。
The sentence expresses concern about the child being home alone, so '担忧' (worry) is the most appropriate word.
不要再___了，事情会好起来的。
The sentence advises someone not to continue worrying, suggesting that things will improve. Therefore, '担忧' (worry) fits best.
我们都为他的健康感到___。
The sentence indicates a feeling of concern for someone's health, making '担忧' (concern) the correct choice.
老师对学生的学习成绩有些___。
The teacher is expressing a degree of apprehension about the students' academic performance, so '担忧' (apprehension) is the suitable word.
他因为工作的事情常常___。
The sentence implies that he frequently worries due to work matters, making '担忧' (worry) the correct word.
面对未来，我们总会有一些___。
It's natural to have some concerns or apprehensions when facing the future, thus '担忧' (apprehensions) is the best fit.
What concerns do you have?
He is very worried about his exam results.
Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Read this aloud:
我有点担忧这次旅行。
Focus: dān yōu
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
你担忧什么？
Focus: dān yōu shén me
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
她看起来很担忧。
Focus: dān yōu
Du hast gesagt:
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她看起来很___，可能有什么心事。(tā kàn qǐlái hěn ___, kěnéng yǒu shéme xīnshì.) She looks very ___, maybe something is on her mind.
Context suggests a negative emotion. '担忧' (worry) fits the meaning of having something on one's mind.
父母对孩子的未来总是充满___。(fùmǔ duì háizi de wèilái zǒng shì chōngmǎn ___.) Parents are always full of ___ about their children's future.
While parents have hope, they also often worry about their children's future. '担忧' fits the context of a common parental emotion.
面对未知的挑战，他心中不免有些___。(miànduì wèizhī de tiǎozhàn, tā xīnzhōng bùmiǎn yǒu xiē ___.) Facing unknown challenges, he inevitably had some ___ in his heart.
Unknown challenges often bring apprehension. '担忧' (apprehension) is the most fitting emotion here.
经济下滑让很多人开始___自己的工作。(jīngjì xiàhuá ràng hěnduō rén kāishǐ ___ zìjǐ de gōngzuò.) The economic downturn made many people start to ___ their jobs.
An economic downturn typically causes people to worry about their jobs. '担忧' (worry) is appropriate.
医生对病人的病情表示___。(yīshēng duì bìngrén de bìngqíng biǎoshì ___.) The doctor expressed ___ about the patient's condition.
Doctors express concern about serious conditions. '担忧' (concern) is the correct choice here.
她因为考试成绩不好而___。(tā yīnwèi kǎoshì chéngjī bù hǎo ér ___.) She was ___ because of her poor exam results.
Poor exam results typically cause worry or concern. '担忧' fits the context.
面对日益加剧的环境污染，人们不禁为地球的未来感到__。
这里的语境是面对环境污染，人们自然会感到“担忧”地球的未来，而不是开心、兴奋或好奇。
由于全球经济形势的不确定性，许多投资者对市场前景表达了深切的__。
经济形势的不确定性通常会带来负面情绪，因此“担忧”是投资者对市场前景的合理表达。
报告显示，青少年心理健康问题日益突出，引起了社会各界的普遍__。
青少年心理健康问题突出，社会各界应该对此感到“关注”，这与“担忧”相关。
尽管医生一再保证手术会成功，病人仍然对术后恢复感到一丝__。
即使医生保证，病人对手术后的未知仍可能存在“担忧”。
气候变化是全球性的挑战，科学家们对其潜在影响表示严重的__。
气候变化带来的潜在影响是负面的，因此科学家们会表示“担忧”。
公司领导层对当前的销售业绩不佳表示了强烈的__，并要求立即制定改进方案。
销售业绩不佳会引起领导层的“担忧”，并促使他们采取行动。
Imagine you are a CEO facing a major product recall. Write a short email to your board members expressing your concerns and outlining the immediate steps you plan to take. Use '担忧' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
各位董事： 对于最近的产品召回事件，我深感担忧。这不仅会影响我们的声誉，也可能对财务造成冲击。我计划立即组建一个危机应对小组，并启动内部调查，同时与相关部门保持紧密沟通，确保召回过程顺利进行。我们必须尽快恢复消费者的信任。 此致，[您的姓名]
You are a parent whose child is about to take a very important exam. Write a short journal entry describing your feelings and hopes for your child. Include '担忧' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今天是小明大考的日子，我心里充满了担忧。虽然他平时很努力，但我还是忍不住为他紧张。只希望他能发挥出最好的水平，不要给自己太大压力。不管结果如何，我们都会支持他。
Write a short news report (3-4 sentences) about the public's concern over rising housing prices. Use '担忧' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
近期，多地房价持续上涨，引发了公众的普遍担忧。许多市民表示，不断攀升的房价已严重影响到他们的生活质量和未来规划。专家呼吁政府应尽快出台有效措施，稳定房地产市场，以缓解民众的购房压力。
根据这段文字，专家们担忧的主要原因是什么？
Read this passage:
近来，由于全球气候变暖的趋势日益严峻，专家们对未来环境的担忧持续加剧。他们指出，如果不能有效控制温室气体排放，极端天气事件将更加频繁，对人类社会造成不可逆转的损害。各国政府应共同努力，采取紧急行动。
根据这段文字，专家们担忧的主要原因是什么？
文章明确指出“由于全球气候变暖的趋势日益严峻，专家们对未来环境的担忧持续加剧”，因此这是担忧的主要原因。
文章明确指出“由于全球气候变暖的趋势日益严峻，专家们对未来环境的担忧持续加剧”，因此这是担忧的主要原因。
这位母亲为什么感到担忧？
Read this passage:
一位母亲对孩子沉迷网络游戏感到深深的担忧。她发现孩子学习成绩下降，性格也变得孤僻。母亲尝试与孩子沟通，但效果不佳。她决定寻求专业的心理咨询帮助。
这位母亲为什么感到担忧？
文章提到母亲“对孩子沉迷网络游戏感到深深的担忧”，并具体说明了“她发现孩子学习成绩下降，性格也变得孤僻”，这些都是她担忧的原因。
文章提到母亲“对孩子沉迷网络游戏感到深深的担忧”，并具体说明了“她发现孩子学习成绩下降，性格也变得孤僻”，这些都是她担忧的原因。
小型企业主担忧的原因主要是什么？
Read this passage:
尽管经济数据显示增长，但许多小型企业主仍对未来的市场前景表示担忧。他们认为，原材料成本上涨和消费者购买力下降是主要挑战。政府需要提供更多支持以帮助这些企业渡过难关。
小型企业主担忧的原因主要是什么？
文章明确指出“他们认为，原材料成本上涨和消费者购买力下降是主要挑战”，这直接说明了他们担忧的原因。
文章明确指出“他们认为，原材料成本上涨和消费者购买力下降是主要挑战”，这直接说明了他们担忧的原因。
This phrase means 'to feel worried about the future'. The structure is '对 [object] 感到 [emotion]'.
This sentence means 'unnecessary worries will only increase stress'. '不必要的' modifies '担忧', and '只会' emphasizes the outcome.
This sentence means 'this sudden news made him feel deeply worried'. '突如其来' (sudden) modifies '消息' (news), and '深深地' (deeply) modifies '担忧' (worry).
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Beispiel
她一直在担忧孩子的学业。
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有点
A1A little; somewhat; rather.
一点
A1A little; a bit; slightly.
可恶
A2Hateful; detestable; abominable.
心不在焉
A2Absent-minded; preoccupied.
接受地
A2Acceptingly; receptively.
成就感
B1Sense of achievement; fulfillment.
撒娇
A2To act like a spoiled child; to act cute.
上瘾
B1To be addicted to something.
沉迷
A2To be addicted to; to be engrossed in.
敬佩
B1Admiration; respect; reverence.
