At the A1 level, you can think of 尊敬 (sonkei) as a word for 'respect.' It is used when you want to say you like someone because they are great or good at something. For example, 'I respect my teacher.' You use it with the particle 'o' (を) and the verb 'suru' (する). It is a very positive word. You might see it in simple sentences about your family or people you know. Just remember: [Person] を 尊敬します (I respect [Person]).
At the A2 level, you start to see 尊敬 as a way to describe your feelings toward people who help you or teach you. You can use it in basic self-introductions or when talking about your role models. You should also learn the noun form '尊敬の念' (feeling of respect). You might hear it in school settings. It's important to know that 尊敬 is specifically for people you look up to, like a 'senpai' (senior) or a 'sensei' (teacher).
At the B1 level, you should understand the difference between 尊敬 (respecting a person) and 尊重 (respecting an idea or right). You can use 尊敬 in more complex sentences, such as 'He is a person worthy of respect' (彼は尊敬に値する人物だ). You will also encounter it in the context of 'Sonkeigo' (honorific language), where the concept of respect is applied to grammar. You can use it to explain *why* you admire someone, using 'node' or 'kara'.
At the B2 level, you can use 尊敬 to discuss social hierarchies and professional relationships. You understand nuances like '尊敬を集める' (to command respect) and can use the passive form '尊敬されている' (is respected) fluently. You are aware of the cultural weight of the word in Japanese society, where respect is tied to one's role and contribution. You can also distinguish it from 'akogare' (admiration/longing) in nuanced discussions.
At the C1 level, you use 尊敬 in academic, professional, and literary contexts. You can discuss the etymology (noble + reverence) and how it relates to Japanese ethics. You can use formal synonyms like '敬服' (keifuku) or '畏敬' (ikei - awe and respect) to express specific shades of meaning. You understand how 尊敬 is portrayed in literature as a transformative force in character development and can analyze its role in historical contexts.
At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of 尊敬. You can engage in philosophical debates about the nature of respect in modern vs. traditional Japan. You can use the word in high-level oratory and understand its most subtle implications in diplomatic or highly formal settings. You are also aware of how the word's usage might be shifting in contemporary youth culture compared to traditional standards, and you can navigate these differences with ease.

尊敬 در ۳۰ ثانیه

  • 尊敬 (Sonkei) means deep respect or admiration for a person's character or skills.
  • It functions as both a noun and a suru-verb (尊敬する).
  • It is primarily used for people you look up to, such as mentors, teachers, or parents.
  • It differs from 尊重 (Soncho), which is used for respecting abstract things like opinions or rights.

The term 尊敬 (Sonkei) is a cornerstone of Japanese interpersonal dynamics, representing a profound sense of respect, admiration, and high regard for another individual. Unlike simple politeness, 尊敬 implies a deep internal recognition of someone's superior character, exceptional skills, or significant achievements. It is the act of 'looking up' to someone as a model of excellence. In the Japanese linguistic landscape, this word functions as both a noun and a suru-verb, making it versatile for expressing both the state of feeling respect and the action of respecting someone.

Etymological Breakdown
The first kanji, 尊 (son), signifies something precious, noble, or of high rank. It evokes the image of a sacred vessel held up by two hands. The second kanji, 敬 (kei), represents the act of showing respect or being reverent, often associated with a disciplined posture and a focused mind. Together, they form a word that describes holding someone in high, noble esteem with a disciplined heart.
Core Nuance
While English uses 'respect' broadly, 尊敬 specifically targets the person rather than just their rights or opinions. It is the emotional and intellectual response to greatness. It is often directed toward teachers (sensei), mentors (senpai), historical figures, or parents who have demonstrated resilience and wisdom.

「私は、自分の信念を貫く人を尊敬します。」

— "I respect people who stick to their beliefs."

「彼は多くの学生から尊敬されている。」

— "He is respected by many students."
Usage Contexts
You will encounter this word in formal speeches, graduation ceremonies, literature, and deep personal conversations. It is less about 'liking' someone and more about 'valuing' their existence and contribution to the world.

「両親を心から尊敬しています。」

— "I respect my parents from the bottom of my heart."

Using 尊敬 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as both a noun and a verb. As a suru-verb, it follows the pattern [Person] を 尊敬する. This is the most direct way to express your feelings toward someone. In passive form, [Person] は [Group/Person] に 尊敬されている, it describes someone who is widely respected by others.

Grammatical Structures
  • Noun form: 尊敬の念 (Sonkei no nen) - A feeling of respect.
  • Verb form: 尊敬する (Sonkei suru) - To respect.
  • Honorific context: 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) - Respectful language (honorifics). Note that while the word 'sonkei' is in the name, the word itself is used to describe the category of grammar.

「彼は私の尊敬する先生です。」

— "He is a teacher whom I respect."

When you want to emphasize the depth of your respect, you can add adverbs like 心から (kokoro kara - from the heart) or 深く (fukaku - deeply). For example, 「彼を深く尊敬しています」 conveys a much stronger sentiment than the basic form. It's also common to use the phrase 尊敬を集める (sonkei o atsumeru), which literally means 'to gather respect,' used when someone's actions naturally lead others to admire them.

You will encounter 尊敬 in various strata of Japanese life, from the classroom to the boardroom. In the educational system, students are often asked to write essays about the person they most 尊敬. This is a standard prompt for self-reflection and character building. In the workplace, during retirement parties or promotion celebrations, colleagues will often express their 尊敬 for the individual's dedication and leadership.

「あなたが最も尊敬する人物は誰ですか?」

— "Who is the person you respect the most?" (Common interview/essay question)

In media, such as anime and manga, the concept of 尊敬 is a recurring theme, especially in the shonen genre. The protagonist often has a mentor or a rival whom they 尊敬, and this feeling serves as a primary motivator for their growth. In news broadcasts, when a public figure passes away, the reporter might mention how they were 尊敬を集めていた (held in high esteem) by the public.

Common Media Tropes
  • The Hero's Journey: Respecting a fallen master.
  • Sports Anime: Respecting an opponent's skill despite being rivals.
  • Documentaries: Professional artisans (Shokunin) being respected for their craft.

The most frequent mistake learners make is the confusion between 尊敬 (Sonkei) and 尊重 (Soncho). While both translate to 'respect' in English, their applications are distinct. 尊敬 is emotional and person-oriented; it is about looking up to someone. 尊重 is more objective and value-oriented; it is about acknowledging the importance of something and not violating it.

Comparison Table
WordTargetExample
尊敬People / CharacterRespecting a teacher.
尊重Opinions / Rights / DiversityRespecting someone's privacy.

Another common error is using 尊敬 for oneself. In Japanese culture, modesty is key. You would never say 'I am a respected person' (私は尊敬される人です) in a self-introductory context, as it sounds arrogant. Instead, you would wait for others to describe you that way. Additionally, learners sometimes confuse 尊敬 with 憧れ (Akogare). Akogare is more like 'longing' or 'adoration' and can be used for celebrities or lifestyles, whereas Sonkei requires a moral or professional basis for the admiration.

To truly master 尊敬, one must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of admiration. Japanese has several words that touch upon respect, each with a different 'flavor' or intensity.

Key Synonyms
  • 敬う (Uyamau): A more traditional, often religious or formal verb for showing reverence. Used for gods, ancestors, or the elderly.
  • 憧れる (Akogareru): To long for or admire. This is more emotional and 'dreamy.' You might akogare a movie star, but you sonkei a doctor who saves lives.
  • 崇拝 (Suhai): Worship or cult-like adoration. This is much stronger than sonkei and can sometimes have a negative connotation of blind following.
  • 敬服 (Keifuku): To be filled with admiration/awe. Often used when someone's skill or logic is so perfect you have no choice but to admire it.

「彼の努力には敬服します。」

— "I am in awe of his efforts." (More intense than sonkei)

Understanding these differences allows you to choose the word that best fits the social distance and the intensity of your feelings. While 尊敬 is the 'safe' and most common choice for general respect, using 敬う in a speech about ancestors shows a deeper grasp of traditional Japanese values.

چقدر رسمی است؟

سطح دشواری

گرامر لازم

Honorific Verbs (Sonkeigo)

Passive Voice (Ukeimi)

Relative Clauses

Noun Modifiers

Adverbial usage of adjectives

مثال‌ها بر اساس سطح

1

私は先生を尊敬しています。

I respect my teacher.

Uses the ~te iru form for a continuous state of feeling.

2

父は尊敬できる人です。

My father is a person I can respect.

Uses the potential form 'dekiru' to describe a quality.

3

みんな、彼を尊敬しています。

Everyone respects him.

Subject 'minna' (everyone) shows general consensus.

4

尊敬する人は誰ですか?

Who is the person you respect?

Standard question structure for 'who'.

5

母をとても尊敬しています。

I respect my mother very much.

Adverb 'totemo' adds emphasis.

6

彼は尊敬される学生です。

He is a respected student.

Passive form 'sareru' used as an adjective.

7

私はあなたを尊敬します。

I respect you.

Direct object 'anata o'.

8

尊敬の気持ちを伝えたいです。

I want to convey my feelings of respect.

Noun 'kimochi' (feeling) paired with 'sonkei no'.

1

彼は仕事が早いので、尊敬されています。

He is respected because he works fast.

Reason 'node' + passive 'sarete iru'.

2

尊敬する先輩にアドバイスをもらいました。

I got advice from a senior I respect.

Modifying the noun 'senpai'.

3

彼女の努力を尊敬しています。

I respect her effort.

Targeting 'effort' (doryoku) as the reason for respect.

4

私は歴史上の人物を尊敬しています。

I respect historical figures.

Broad category 'rekishijo no jinbutsu'.

5

尊敬の念を持って接しましょう。

Let's interact with a sense of respect.

Phrase 'sonkei no nen o motte' (with a sense of respect).

6

彼は誰からも尊敬されるリーダーだ。

He is a leader respected by everyone.

'Dare kara mo' means 'by anyone/everyone'.

7

兄を尊敬している理由は、彼が優しいからです。

The reason I respect my brother is that he is kind.

Structure: 'Reason wa ... kara desu'.

8

尊敬する作家の本を読みました。

I read a book by an author I respect.

Relative clause modifying 'sakka' (author).

1

彼はその功績により、多くの人から尊敬を集めている。

Due to his achievements, he commands respect from many people.

Phrase 'sonkei o atsumeru' (to gather/command respect).

2

尊敬と尊重の違いを理解することは大切です。

It is important to understand the difference between respect (sonkei) and esteem (soncho).

Comparing two similar nouns.

3

私は彼の正直なところを尊敬しています。

I respect his honesty.

Focusing on a specific trait 'shojiki na tokoro'.

4

彼は尊敬に値する立派な人物だ。

He is a splendid person worthy of respect.

Phrase 'sonkei ni ataisuru' (worthy of respect).

5

先生に対する尊敬の念を忘れてはいけない。

You must not forget your sense of respect toward your teacher.

'Ni taisuru' (toward/for).

6

彼女は若くして、周囲の尊敬を勝ち取った。

Despite being young, she won the respect of those around her.

Phrase 'sonkei o kachitoru' (to win respect).

7

尊敬する上司が退職するのは寂しい。

It's sad that the boss I respect is retiring.

Complex sentence with a relative clause and an emotional ending.

8

彼の不屈の精神には尊敬のほかありません。

I have nothing but respect for his indomitable spirit.

Phrase 'sonkei no hoka arimasen' (nothing but respect).

1

彼は敵ながら尊敬すべき技術を持っている。

Even though he is an enemy, he possesses skills that should be respected.

'Teki nagara' (despite being an enemy) + 'beki' (should).

2

真の尊敬は、恐怖から生まれるものではない。

True respect is not something born out of fear.

Abstract philosophical statement.

3

彼は学問の世界で深く尊敬されている権威だ。

He is a deeply respected authority in the world of academia.

Adverb 'fukaku' (deeply) + 'ken'i' (authority).

4

両親の苦労を知り、改めて尊敬の念を深くした。

Learning of my parents' hardships, I deepened my sense of respect for them once again.

'Aratamete' (anew/again) + 'fukakushita' (deepened).

5

尊敬語を正しく使うことは、社会人としての基本だ。

Using honorific language correctly is a basic requirement for a member of society.

Refers to 'Sonkeigo' as a grammatical category.

6

彼はその謙虚な姿勢によって、さらに尊敬を高めた。

Through his humble attitude, he further increased the respect people have for him.

'Ni yotte' (by means of) + 'sonkei o takameta' (raised respect).

7

無条件に誰かを尊敬するのは危険なこともある。

Respecting someone unconditionally can sometimes be dangerous.

'Mujoken ni' (unconditionally).

8

彼の作品は、時代を超えて尊敬され続けている。

His works continue to be respected across generations.

'Jidai o koete' (transcending time) + 'tsuzukete iru' (continue to be).

1

彼の倫理観の高さには、ただただ尊敬の念を禁じ得ない。

I cannot help but feel pure respect for the high level of his ethics.

Formal expression 'nen o kinji enai' (cannot help but feel).

2

その政治家は、党派を超えて広く尊敬を集めていた。

That politician commanded wide respect across party lines.

'Toha o koete' (transcending parties).

3

尊敬の対象が、単なる能力から人格へと変化していった。

The object of respect shifted from mere ability to character.

Abstract discussion of psychological shifts.

4

彼は畏敬の念を込めて、その師匠について語った。

He spoke of his master with a sense of awe and respect.

'Ikei no nen' (awe and respect) is a higher-level synonym.

5

真に尊敬されるべきは、目立たぬところで社会を支える人々だ。

Those who truly deserve respect are the people who support society in inconspicuous ways.

Passive potential 'sareru beki' (should be [respected]).

6

尊敬という感情は、自己の成長を促す触媒となり得る。

The emotion of respect can serve as a catalyst for one's own growth.

Scientific/Philosophical metaphor 'shokubai' (catalyst).

7

彼の学識の深さには、専門家たちも一様に尊敬を払っている。

Experts alike pay respect to the depth of his scholarship.

Phrase 'sonkei o harau' (to pay respect).

8

それは尊敬というよりも、むしろ崇拝に近い感情だった。

It was an emotion closer to worship than to respect.

Contrast between 'sonkei' and 'suhai' (worship).

1

古典文学に対する深い尊敬の念が、彼の創作活動の根底にある。

A profound reverence for classical literature lies at the root of his creative activities.

Complex sentence structure with 'kontei' (root/foundation).

2

尊敬の念を欠いた批判は、単なる誹謗中傷に堕しやすい。

Criticism lacking a sense of respect easily degenerates into mere slander.

'O kaita' (lacking) + 'da-shiyasui' (prone to degenerate into).

3

彼は、自らへの尊敬を強いるような傲慢な態度は微塵も見せなかった。

He showed not a shred of the arrogant attitude that would force respect upon himself.

'Mijin mo misenai' (not show a shred).

4

文化の多様性を尊敬の眼差しで見つめることが、現代社会には求められている。

Looking at cultural diversity through the lens of respect is what modern society demands.

Metaphorical 'manazashi' (gaze/lens).

5

彼の高潔な人格は、没後もなお人々の尊敬の対象であり続けている。

His noble character continues to be an object of respect for people even after his death.

'Botsugo' (after death) + 'ari tsuzukete iru'.

6

尊敬という概念は、封建的な主従関係から近代的な対等な関係へと変容した。

The concept of respect has transformed from feudal master-servant relationships to modern equal relationships.

Sociological analysis.

7

知的な誠実さを貫く彼の姿勢に、私は深い尊敬を禁じ得ない。

I cannot help but feel deep respect for his stance of maintaining intellectual integrity.

'Chiteki na seijitsusa' (intellectual integrity).

8

尊敬は、他者の卓越性を認めるという自己の謙虚さから出発する。

Respect begins with the humility of recognizing the excellence of others.

Philosophical definition.

مترادف‌ها

متضادها

ترکیب‌های رایج

尊敬を集める (Sonkei o atsumeru) - To command/gather respect
尊敬を払う (Sonkei o harau) - To pay respect
尊敬に値する (Sonkei ni ataisuru) - To be worthy of respect
深く尊敬する (Fukaku sonkei suru) - To respect deeply
心から尊敬する (Kokoro kara sonkei suru) - To respect from the heart
尊敬の念 (Sonkei no nen) - A feeling of respect
尊敬の対象 (Sonkei no taisho) - Object of respect
尊敬を勝ち取る (Sonkei o kachitoru) - To win respect
尊敬を欠く (Sonkei o kaku) - To lack respect
相互の尊敬 (Sogo no sonkei) - Mutual respect

اغلب اشتباه گرفته می‌شود با

尊敬 vs 尊重 (Soncho) - Respect for things/rights.

尊敬 vs 憧れ (Akogare) - Longing/Adoration.

尊敬 vs 敬語 (Keigo) - Honorific language.

به‌راحتی اشتباه گرفته می‌شود

尊敬 vs

尊敬 vs

尊敬 vs

尊敬 vs

尊敬 vs

الگوهای جمله‌سازی

نحوه استفاده

Nuance

Sonkei is about character and ability.

Frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Japanese.

Hierarchy

Usually directed upwards or towards equals with great traits.

اشتباهات رایج
  • Using 尊敬 for opinions (should be 尊重).
  • Using 尊敬 for oneself (sounds arrogant).
  • Confusing 尊敬 with 憧れ (longing).
  • Using the wrong particle (should be を, not に for the verb).
  • Overusing it for minor things (it's a heavy, meaningful word).

نکات

Verb Usage

Remember it's a suru-verb. 'Sonkei shimasu' is the standard polite form.

Modesty

Never use 尊敬 to describe how others feel about you in a self-intro.

Pairing

Pair it with 'kokoro kara' (from the heart) for maximum impact.

Sonkei vs Soncho

People = Sonkei. Ideas/Rights = Soncho. This is the most important distinction.

Kanji Tip

The 'Son' in Sonkei is the same as 'Tattobu' (to value highly).

Tone

Say it with a sincere, steady tone to convey true admiration.

Essay Hook

Starting an essay with 'Watashi ga sonkei suru hito wa...' is a classic Japanese school opening.

Context Clues

If you hear 'sarete iru', the person being talked about is likely a high-status or high-character individual.

Building Rapport

Telling a mentor you respect them (尊敬しています) is a powerful way to strengthen your bond.

Synonyms

Try using 'Keifuku' (敬服) when you are specifically impressed by someone's skill.

حفظ کنید

ریشه کلمه

Sino-Japanese (Kango)

بافت فرهنگی

Often given to show 尊敬 (Oseibo/Ochugen).

The linguistic manifestation of 尊敬.

The physical manifestation of 尊敬.

The foundation of respect in schools and companies.

تمرین در زندگی واقعی

موقعیت‌های واقعی

شروع‌کننده‌های مکالمه

"あなたが一番尊敬している人は誰ですか? (Who is the person you respect the most?)"

"どういう人を尊敬しますか? (What kind of people do you respect?)"

"最近、誰かを尊敬したエピソードはありますか? (Do you have a recent story about respecting someone?)"

"尊敬されるリーダーに必要な条件は何だと思いますか? (What do you think are the requirements for a respected leader?)"

"子供の頃、誰を尊敬していましたか? (Who did you respect when you were a child?)"

موضوعات نگارش

Write about a teacher who earned your 尊敬.

Reflect on the difference between 尊敬 and 憧れ in your own life.

Describe a time you felt 尊敬 for a rival.

How do you want to be 尊敬 by others in the future?

Write a letter of 尊敬 to your future self.

سوالات متداول

10 سوال

Yes, if he has achieved something great or has a wonderful character, you can definitely use it. Respect isn't strictly limited to older people.

尊敬 is the feeling of admiration. 敬意 (Keii) is the 'respect' you show or pay to someone, often used in formal phrases like '敬意を表する' (to show respect).

It can be, but '憧れ' (akogare) is more common for celebrities unless you specifically admire their character or humanitarian work.

No, you should use 尊重 (soncho) for opinions.

No. 'Sonkeigo' is a grammatical category of honorifics. 'Sonkei' is the noun for the feeling of respect.

You might say 'あまり尊敬できません' (I can't really respect him) or '共感できません' (I can't empathize/agree).

Yes, it's a significant compliment in Japanese.

Usually no, unless you are speaking metaphorically about a noble animal in a story.

軽蔑 (Keibetsu), which means contempt or scorn.

Yes, but usually in the context of respecting a client's achievements or a senior's guidance.

خودت رو بسنج 180 سوال

/ 180 درست

نمره کامل!

محتوای مرتبط

این کلمه در زبان‌های دیگر

واژه‌های بیشتر Social

承認

A1

عمل پذیرش یا تأیید رسمی چیزی، مانند یک درخواست یا برنامه. اغلب در زمینه‌های رسمی یا حرفه‌ای استفاده می‌شود تا نشان دهد یک مقام مسئول چراغ سبز نشان داده است.

帰属

C1

تعلق به یک گروه خاص یا انتساب قانونی حقوق.

意識

A1

بیمار پس از تصادف هوشیاری خود را از دست داد.

裏切り

A1

عمل شکستن اعتماد یا وفاداری. اغلب شامل کمک به دشمن یا اقدام علیه منافع کسی است که به شما تکیه کرده است.

お辞儀

A1

تعظیم سنتی ژاپنی که برای سلام، تشکر یا عذرخواهی استفاده می‌شود.

使命

A1

ماموریت من این است که به صلح جهانی کمک کنم.

配慮

A1

رعایت کردن و توجه به احساسات و نیازهای دیگران.

慎重

A1

ویژگی بسیار محتاط بودن و اجتناب از ریسک‌های غیرضروری. توصیف‌کننده ذهنیتی است که با تامل کامل قبل از تصمیم‌گیری همراه است.

争い

A1

تضاد، مشاجره یا رقابت بین دو یا چند طرف. به حالتی اشاره دارد که در آن افراد بر سر چیزی اختلاف نظر دارند یا با هم می جنگند.

抗争

A1

یک مبارزه یا درگیری جدی بین گروه‌ها، جناح‌ها یا سازمان‌های مخالف.

مفید بود؟
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