Explanation at your level:
Hello! Let's learn about the word 尊い (tōtoi). It means something is very, very special. Imagine you have a favorite toy, or your pet. You think they are special, right? 尊い is like that, but even more special! It means something is precious, like a treasure, or noble, like a king or queen. You can say 'my life is 尊い' to mean your life is very important. Or maybe a beautiful flower is 尊い because it is so rare and pretty. It's a word for things we really, really like and want to keep safe because they are so important.
The Japanese adjective 尊い (tōtoi) is used to describe things that are highly valued, precious, or noble. Think about things you consider very important – perhaps your family, your home, or a special memory. These things are 尊い. It's a step up from just 'good' or 'nice.' It implies a deep sense of worth and respect. For example, we might say 'life is 尊い' (inochi wa tōtoi) to emphasize that every life has great value. It can also describe actions, like a 'noble sacrifice' (tōtoi gisei), meaning someone did something very brave and important for others.
尊い (tōtoi) is an adjective that conveys a strong sense of preciousness, nobility, or sacredness. It’s used for things that hold significant intrinsic value and inspire deep respect. For instance, you might hear it in the context of 尊い命 (tōtoi inochi), meaning 'precious life,' highlighting the immense value placed on human existence. It can also refer to abstract qualities, such as 尊い理想 (tōtoi risō), meaning 'noble ideals.' When you use 尊い, you are elevating the subject, suggesting it’s beyond the ordinary and commands reverence. It’s often found in more formal or reflective contexts where profound appreciation is being expressed.
The Japanese adjective 尊い (tōtoi) signifies something of profound value, nobility, or sacred significance, often evoking a sense of awe or deep reverence. It transcends mere monetary worth, pointing towards intrinsic qualities that command respect. Consider its use in describing a 尊い犠牲 (tōtoi gisei), a 'noble sacrifice,' where the act is recognized for its immense moral weight and importance. It can also apply to abstract concepts like 尊い教え (tōtoi oshie), meaning 'sacred teachings.' Understanding 尊い requires appreciating its capacity to elevate a subject, marking it as exceptional and worthy of profound consideration, often within philosophical, ethical, or spiritual discourse.
尊い (tōtoi) is a potent adjective denoting supreme value, nobility, or sacredness, often carrying connotations of reverence and profound respect that border on the spiritual or philosophical. Its application extends beyond the tangible to encompass abstract principles and significant human experiences. For example, describing a moment as 尊い瞬間 (tōtoi shunkan) – a 'precious moment' – suggests an experience of such profound beauty or significance that it feels almost sacred. The word implies an inherent, almost untouchable quality that elevates the subject matter, setting it apart from the mundane and placing it within a realm of deep admiration and ethical consideration. Its usage often signals a sophisticated appreciation for inherent worth and moral gravitas.
In its deepest sense, 尊い (tōtoi) encapsulates the pinnacle of value, nobility, and sacredness, often resonating with existential or spiritual significance. Etymologically linked to concepts of supremacy and high status, its modern usage retains this gravitas. It can describe not only tangible items of immense worth but also intangible qualities like 尊い平和 (tōtoi heiwa) – 'sacred peace' – implying a state achieved through great effort or sacrifice, and thus possessing an inviolable quality. The word's power lies in its ability to evoke a profound, almost transcendent sense of respect, often found in philosophical texts, religious discourse, or literature that grapples with the fundamental values of existence. Mastering 尊い involves recognizing its subtle capacity to imbue subjects with an aura of the sublime and the ethically paramount.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 尊い (tōtoi) is an adjective meaning precious, noble, or sacred.
- It signifies deep value, inspiring reverence and respect.
- Commonly used for life, sacrifices, ideals, and sacred concepts.
- Requires careful consideration of context due to its profound meaning.
Hey there! Let's dive into the wonderful Japanese word 尊い (tōtoi). It's an adjective that packs a serious punch, describing things that are incredibly precious, noble, or sacred. Think of it as the ultimate compliment for something that's truly special and deserves the highest respect. It’s not just about being expensive; it’s about inherent worth and deep significance. We use it when we want to express a profound sense of admiration and value for something or someone that stands out from the ordinary.
When you encounter 尊い, imagine something that shines brightly, not just in appearance, but in its very essence. It could be the life of a loved one, a moment of pure beauty in nature, or a deeply held principle that guides our actions. This word helps us articulate that feeling of awe and reverence we experience when faced with something truly extraordinary. It elevates the subject, marking it as something beyond everyday concerns, something to be cherished and protected.
The word 尊い (tōtoi) has deep roots in the Japanese language, tracing its origins back to ancient times. The kanji 尊 itself is composed of two parts: the radical 丱 (which originally depicted hair ornaments, suggesting something special or esteemed) and the component 酋 (meaning chief or head). Together, they convey the idea of something being the highest, the most important, or the most esteemed. This etymology already hints at the core meaning of high value and nobility.
Historically, 尊い was often used in religious and courtly contexts to describe deities, emperors, or sacred objects. Its usage reflected a hierarchical society where certain beings and things were inherently considered superior and worthy of utmost reverence. Over time, while retaining its strong connotations of sacredness and nobility, the word's application broadened to include abstract concepts, profound experiences, and even the inherent value of human life. This evolution shows how language adapts to express a wider range of human emotions and values, while still holding onto its core sense of profound respect and preciousness.
So, how do we actually use 尊い in a sentence? It's an adjective, so it modifies nouns. You'll often hear it paired with words related to life, moments, principles, or even people. For example, you might hear 尊い命 (tōtoi inochi), meaning 'precious life,' or 尊い犠牲 (tōtoi gisei), referring to a 'noble sacrifice.' These collocations highlight the word's power to imbue the noun with a sense of immense value and significance.
When it comes to formality, 尊い leans towards the formal and serious side. You wouldn't typically use it to describe your favorite snack, but rather something that evokes genuine awe or deep respect. Think of using it in speeches, literature, or serious discussions about ethics, life, or history. While it's not slang, it's a word that carries weight and is understood across different registers, though its impact is strongest in more solemn or appreciative contexts. It’s a word that signals you’re talking about something truly meaningful.
While 尊い itself is a powerful word, it doesn't feature in a huge number of distinct idiomatic phrases in the way some other words do. Its meaning is quite direct and profound on its own. However, the concept it represents is woven into many expressions that convey similar sentiments of high value and respect.
One common way the concept appears is through phrases that emphasize the 'preciousness' of something. For instance, 命は尊い (inochi wa tōtoi) – 'life is precious' – is a fundamental belief often expressed. Another related idea is found in expressions valuing effort or sacrifice, like 尊い努力 (tōtoi doryoku), meaning 'noble effort' or 'precious hard work.' While not strict idioms, these phrases use 尊い to underscore the immense worth of the noun it modifies, emphasizing its sacred or noble quality. The word itself often stands as a powerful descriptor rather than being embedded in complex idiomatic structures.
As an adjective, 尊い (tōtoi) functions similarly to other Japanese i-adjectives. It can directly precede a noun it modifies, like in 尊い本 (tōtoi hon - a precious book). It can also be used predicatively, often with the copula です (desu) for politeness, as in この本は尊いです (kono hon wa tōtoi desu - this book is precious). There isn't really a plural form for adjectives in Japanese in the same way there is in English; the adjective itself doesn't change based on the number of the noun.
Pronunciation is key! 尊い is pronounced 'toh-toy'. Let's break it down: 'toh' sounds like the 'toe' in 'toe-tapping,' and 'toy' sounds just like the word 'toy.' So, it's a smooth two-syllable word. When speaking, ensure you give each syllable its due weight. There aren't really common rhyming words in English that perfectly capture the sound, but words like 'boy' or 'joy' share a similar vowel sound in the second syllable. The stress is fairly even across both syllables, perhaps with a slight emphasis on the first.
Fun Fact
The character 尊 is used in names of deities and revered figures across East Asian cultures, highlighting its consistent association with high status and reverence.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'toh-toy', with equal stress on both syllables.
Similar to UK, 'toh-toy', with a clear two-syllable pronunciation.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the second 'o' as 'uh' (like 'to-toy').
- Adding an extra syllable or consonant sound.
- Incorrect stress, making it sound like 'TOH-toy' or 'toh-TOY'.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of nuanced meaning and context.
Appropriate usage needs careful consideration of context and formality.
Pronunciation and appropriate context are key.
Recognizing the word and its weight in conversation.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Japanese i-Adjectives
尊い (tōtoi) conjugates like other i-adjectives (e.g., 高い takai - high, 面白い omoshiroi - interesting).
Sentence Endings (です/だ)
尊いです (tōtoi desu - polite) vs 尊い (tōtoi - plain).
Particles は and が
命は尊い (Inochi wa tōtoi - Topic marker) vs 命が尊い (Inochi ga tōtoi - Subject marker, emphasizing 'life').
Examples by Level
This is a 尊い toy.
This / precious / toy
尊い modifies the noun 'toy'.
My cat is 尊い.
My / cat / precious
Using 尊い to describe a pet.
Life is 尊い.
Life / precious
A general statement about the value of life.
This flower is 尊い.
This / flower / precious
Describing something beautiful and rare.
He is a 尊い person.
He / noble / person
Describing someone with noble qualities.
That is a 尊い moment.
That / precious / moment
Highlighting the importance of a specific time.
We protect 尊い things.
We / protect / precious / things
General statement about valuing important items.
It is 尊い.
It / precious
Simple statement of value.
The old book was very 尊い.
The / old / book / very / precious
Adjective modifying a noun.
We must protect 尊い nature.
We / must / protect / precious / nature
Emphasizing the value of the environment.
Her contribution was 尊い.
Her / contribution / noble
Praising someone's important actions.
This is a 尊い memory.
This / precious / memory
Valuing a significant personal experience.
He made a 尊い sacrifice for his friends.
He / made / noble / sacrifice / for / his / friends
Describing an act of significant selflessness.
The temple holds 尊い artifacts.
The / temple / holds / sacred / artifacts
Referring to items of religious or historical importance.
Every moment of peace is 尊い.
Every / moment / of / peace / precious
Highlighting the value of tranquility.
The artist's work is truly 尊い.
The / artist's / work / truly / noble
Appreciating the high quality and impact of creative work.
The museum preserves 尊い cultural heritage.
The / museum / preserves / precious / cultural / heritage
Used in the context of cultural preservation.
He dedicated his life to 尊い ideals.
He / dedicated / his / life / to / noble / ideals
Applying the adjective to abstract principles.
The soldiers' 尊い sacrifice saved many lives.
The / soldiers' / noble / sacrifice / saved / many / lives
Emphasizing the significance and impact of a sacrifice.
We cherish the 尊い relationship we have.
We / cherish / the / precious / relationship / we / have
Describing a deeply valued personal connection.
The ancient text contains 尊い wisdom.
The / ancient / text / contains / sacred / wisdom
Referring to profound or spiritual knowledge.
Her unwavering kindness was 尊い.
Her / unwavering / kindness / noble
Highlighting the moral excellence of a character trait.
This quiet moment of reflection felt 尊い.
This / quiet / moment / of / reflection / precious
Describing a personally significant and valuable experience.
The community values 尊い traditions.
The / community / values / precious / traditions
Referring to deeply respected customs.
The philosopher argued that human existence itself is inherently 尊い.
The / philosopher / argued / that / human / existence / itself / inherently / precious
Used in philosophical discourse about the value of life.
We must learn from the 尊い lessons of history.
We / must / learn / from / the / noble / lessons / of / history
Referring to important, impactful historical learnings.
The diplomat worked towards achieving 尊い peace.
The / diplomat / worked / towards / achieving / sacred / peace
Implying peace achieved through significant effort or sacrifice.
She felt a 尊い connection to the ancient land.
She / felt / a / sacred / connection / to / the / ancient / land
Expressing a deep, almost spiritual bond with a place.
His 尊い efforts were instrumental in the project's success.
His / noble / efforts / were / instrumental / in / the / project's / success
Highlighting the exceptional value of someone's hard work.
The novel explores the 尊い nature of love and loss.
The / novel / explores / the / profound / nature / of / love / and / loss
Used in literary analysis to describe deep emotional themes.
Maintaining biodiversity is a 尊い responsibility.
Maintaining / biodiversity / is / a / sacred / responsibility
Framing environmental protection as a morally significant duty.
The artist's legacy is considered 尊い by critics.
The / artist's / legacy / is / considered / sacred / by / critics
Describing the enduring and highly respected impact of an artist's contribution.
The monk sought enlightenment through 尊い meditation practices.
The / monk / sought / enlightenment / through / sacred / meditation / practices
Used in spiritual or religious contexts for profound practices.
He viewed the preservation of truth as a 尊い mission.
He / viewed / the / preservation / of / truth / as / a / noble / mission
Elevating a pursuit to a high moral calling.
The symphony evoked a 尊い sense of shared humanity.
The / symphony / evoked / a / profound / sense / of / shared / humanity
Describing an artistic experience that touches on deep, universal themes.
Her 尊い resilience in the face of adversity inspired many.
Her / noble / resilience / in / the / face / of / adversity / inspired / many
Highlighting exceptional strength of character as something revered.
The ancient rituals were believed to connect them to 尊い ancestors.
The / ancient / rituals / were / believed / to / connect / them / to / sacred / ancestors
Implying a spiritual or deeply respected lineage.
Finding meaning in suffering can be a 尊い journey.
Finding / meaning / in / suffering / can / be / a / profound / journey
Describing a transformative and deeply valuable personal process.
The diplomat’s 尊い commitment to peace transcended political boundaries.
The / diplomat's / noble / commitment / to / peace / transcended / political / boundaries
Emphasizing the high moral standing and dedication to a cause.
The novel's exploration of 尊い sacrifice resonated deeply with readers.
The / novel's / exploration / of / sacred / sacrifice / resonated / deeply / with / readers
Used in literary criticism to denote sacrifices with profound moral or thematic weight.
The text posits that the pursuit of 尊い knowledge is the ultimate human endeavor.
The / text / posits / that / the / pursuit / of / sacred / knowledge / is / the / ultimate / human / endeavor
Used in academic or philosophical contexts for supreme forms of knowledge.
She viewed her role as a guardian of 尊い traditions, ensuring their transmission across generations.
She / viewed / her / role / as / a / guardian / of / sacred / traditions, / ensuring / their / transmission / across / generations
Implying traditions that hold deep cultural or spiritual significance.
The artist's final masterpiece was hailed as a 尊い testament to the human spirit.
The / artist's / final / masterpiece / was / hailed / as / a / profound / testament / to / the / human / spirit
Describing a work that embodies the highest ideals or resilience of humanity.
His 尊い sacrifice, though tragic, became a foundational myth for the nation.
His / noble / sacrifice, / though / tragic, / became / a / foundational / myth / for / the / nation
Referring to a sacrifice that has become legendary and culturally significant.
The philosophical inquiry delved into the 尊い nature of consciousness itself.
The / philosophical / inquiry / delved / into / the / sacred / nature / of / consciousness / itself
Used in deep philosophical discussions about fundamental concepts.
She felt an almost 尊い obligation to protect the fragile ecosystem.
She / felt / an / almost / sacred / obligation / to / protect / the / fragile / ecosystem
Conveying a sense of duty that transcends the ordinary, bordering on the spiritual.
The enduring legacy of the 尊い leader continues to inspire.
The / enduring / legacy / of / the / noble / leader / continues / to / inspire
Describing the lasting impact of someone of exceptional moral character and influence.
This rare manuscript offers 尊い insights into ancient cosmology.
This / rare / manuscript / offers / sacred / insights / into / ancient / cosmology
Referring to knowledge or understanding that is profound, rare, and highly valued.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"命は尊い (inochi wa tōtoi)"
Life is precious.
どんな命も尊いのだから、大切にしよう。(Every life is precious, so let's cherish it.)
neutral"尊いことこの上ない (tōtoi koto kono ue nai)"
There is nothing more precious/noble/sacred than this.
彼の自己犠牲は尊いことこの上ない。(His self-sacrifice is the most precious thing imaginable.)
formal"尊い身代わり (tōtoi minawari)"
Noble substitute (someone who takes another's place, often at great cost).
彼は友人のために尊い身代わりとなった。(He became a noble substitute for his friend.)
formal"尊い御心 (tōtoi mikokoro)"
Noble heart/mind (often used for deities or royalty).
神の尊い御心に触れる。(To touch the noble heart of God.)
formal/religious"尊い御業 (tōtoi miwaza)"
Noble deed/work (often used for deities or revered figures).
それはまるで尊い御業のようだ。(It is like a noble deed.)
formal/religious"尊い血筋 (tōtoi chisuuji)"
Noble bloodline.
彼は尊い血筋の出身だと噂されている。(He is rumored to be from a noble bloodline.)
formal/historicalEasily Confused
Both are pronounced 'tōtoi' and share meanings of preciousness and nobility.
While often interchangeable, 尊い can lean more towards 'sacred' or 'revered,' while 貴い might emphasize 'rare,' 'noble,' or 'high-ranking.' However, usage varies, and 尊い is generally more common for abstract concepts like life.
尊い命 (precious life) vs 貴い宝石 (rare jewel).
Both can describe people or actions positively, implying high status or importance.
偉い means 'great,' 'eminent,' or 'admirable,' often referring to achievements, status, or commendable behavior. 尊い implies a deeper, more intrinsic value, often touching on nobility or sacredness, not just greatness.
彼は偉い人だ (He is a great/important person) vs 彼の行為は尊い (His act is noble/precious).
Both are positive adjectives used to express high regard.
素晴らしい means 'wonderful,' 'splendid,' or 'amazing,' applicable to a wide range of positive things. 尊い is much more specific, denoting profound value, nobility, or sacredness, and is used in more serious contexts.
素晴らしい景色 (Wonderful scenery) vs 尊い教え (Sacred teachings).
Both indicate importance.
大事な means 'important,' 'essential,' or 'significant,' often in a practical or personal sense. 尊い carries a much stronger sense of inherent worth, nobility, or sacredness that goes beyond mere importance.
大事な会議 (Important meeting) vs 尊い命 (Precious life).
Sentence Patterns
Noun + は/が + 尊い (desu)
人生は尊いです。(Jinsei wa tōtoi desu.) - Life is precious.
尊い + Noun
私たちは尊い平和を守らなければなりません。(Watashitachi wa tōtoi heiwa o mamoranakereba narimasen.) - We must protect precious peace.
Noun + の + 尊い + Noun
その古い寺院は、多くの尊い遺産を保持している。(Sono furui jiin wa, ooku no tōtoi isan o hoji shite iru.) - That old temple holds much precious heritage.
Noun + にとって + 尊い + Noun
この発見は科学にとって尊い進歩だ。(Kono hakken wa kagaku ni totte tōtoi shinpo da.) - This discovery is a valuable advancement for science.
尊い + Noun + である
それは人類にとって尊い教訓である。(Sore wa jinrui ni totte tōtoi kyōkun de aru.) - That is a noble lesson for humanity. (More formal ending)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
尊い implies a much deeper level of value, often moral, spiritual, or existential, not just monetary or practical.
These words sound somewhat similar but have opposite meanings and are used in completely different contexts.
尊い is reserved for genuinely profound or highly respected subjects; overuse dilutes its impact.
While possible, it's more common for abstract concepts, life, or people. Attributing 'sacredness' or 'nobility' to everyday objects can sound unnatural.
Mispronunciation can lead to confusion with other words or simply sound unnatural to native speakers.
Tips
Sound Association
Link 'tōtoi' to 'toy'. Imagine a toy so precious and noble it feels sacred – that's 尊い!
Respectful Tone
Using 尊い shows you hold the subject in very high regard. Ensure your tone matches this level of respect, especially in conversation.
Adjective Placement
Remember 尊い works like other Japanese i-adjectives: place it directly before the noun (尊い命) or use it predicatively with です (命は尊いです).
Two Clear Syllables
Practice saying 'toh-toy' clearly. Avoid merging the sounds or stressing one syllable too heavily.
Don't Confuse with 'Kitanai'
Watch out for the similar sounds! 尊い (tōtoi) = precious/noble; 穢い (kitanai) = dirty. They are opposites!
Kanji Clues
The kanji 尊 combines 'hair ornaments' (suggesting specialness) and 'chief' (suggesting highest status), hinting at its meaning of supreme value.
Create Flashcards
Make flashcards with 尊い on one side and its core meanings (precious, noble, sacred) and example sentences on the other.
Think 'Beyond Ordinary'
When considering using 尊い, ask yourself: 'Is this concept or thing fundamentally beyond the everyday? Does it inspire awe or deep moral respect?' If yes, 尊い might be appropriate.
Word Web Practice
Expand on the word web: connect 尊い to related concepts like 'dignity' (尊厳 - songen) and 'respect' (尊敬 - sonkei) to build a richer understanding.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'toy' that is extremely 'precious' and 'noble' – so much so that it feels almost 'sacred'. The sound 'toh-toy' reminds you of a precious toy.
Visual Association
Imagine a king or queen wearing a magnificent, jewel-encrusted crown (representing nobility and preciousness) in a grand, sacred temple.
Word Web
Challenge
Try describing three things you find truly 尊い in your life. Write them down and explain why.
Word Origin
Japanese
Original meaning: The kanji 尊 originally depicted hair ornaments (丱) combined with a symbol for a chief (酋), signifying something highly esteemed or the highest.
Cultural Context
The word carries significant weight. Using it inappropriately for trivial matters can seem insincere or even disrespectful. It's best reserved for situations where genuine reverence or deep appreciation is warranted.
In English, we use words like 'precious,' 'noble,' and 'sacred' depending on the context. 'Precious' often refers to sentimental value or rarity, 'noble' to high moral character or rank, and 'sacred' to religious or deeply respected things. The Japanese word 尊い can encompass all these nuances.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussions about life and death
- 命は尊い (Inochi wa tōtoi) - Life is precious.
- 尊い犠牲 (Tōtoi gisei) - Noble sacrifice.
- 尊い時間 (Tōtoi jikan) - Precious time.
Moral and ethical discussions
- 尊い理想 (Tōtoi risō) - Noble ideals.
- 尊い信念 (Tōtoi shinnen) - Precious beliefs.
- 尊い道徳 (Tōtoi dōtoku) - Noble morality.
Religious or spiritual settings
- 尊い教え (Tōtoi oshie) - Sacred teachings.
- 尊い場所 (Tōtoi basho) - Sacred place.
- 尊い存在 (Tōtoi sonzai) - Sacred being.
Appreciating history and culture
- 尊い遺産 (Tōtoi isan) - Precious heritage.
- 尊い伝統 (Tōtoi dentō) - Noble tradition.
- 尊い知恵 (Tōtoi chie) - Precious wisdom.
Conversation Starters
"What do you think is the most 尊い thing in the world?"
"Can you share a 尊い experience you've had?"
"How do we teach younger generations the meaning of 尊い?"
"In what situations do you feel the 尊い nature of life most strongly?"
"What does the concept of a 'noble sacrifice' mean to you?"
Journal Prompts
Describe something you consider truly 尊い in your life and explain why.
Reflect on a time you witnessed or experienced something noble. What made it 尊い?
Write about the importance of preserving 尊い cultural heritage.
Consider the phrase 'Life is 尊い'. What does this mean to you personally?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, 貴い is a synonym and is often written identically in modern Japanese. Both mean precious, noble, or valuable. Sometimes 貴い might lean slightly more towards 'noble' or 'rare,' while 尊い can emphasize 'sacredness' or 'reverence,' but they are largely interchangeable.
Yes, but usually for objects with significant historical, religious, or sentimental value, like ancient artifacts, religious relics, or a deeply cherished family heirloom. It's less common for everyday valuable objects like expensive electronics.
It's pronounced 'toh-toy', with two syllables and relatively even stress on both: /toʊˈtoʊi/. Make sure to clearly distinguish the two 'o' sounds.
素晴らしい means 'wonderful' or 'splendid' and is used for a wide range of positive things, from good weather to great performance. 尊い is much stronger, implying a deeper, more profound value like nobility, sacredness, or extreme preciousness.
While not its primary use, like many words, it *could* be used ironically in specific contexts, perhaps to mock someone's exaggerated sense of self-importance. However, this is rare and depends heavily on tone and context.
It translates to 尊い犠牲 (tōtoi gisei). This phrase emphasizes that the sacrifice made was not just a loss, but an act of great moral value and importance.
Yes, it can describe people who possess great moral character, wisdom, or who have made significant contributions, implying they are noble or their presence is precious.
Direct opposites are difficult, but words like 卑しい (iyashii - base, mean), 汚い (kitanai - dirty), or ordinary/common concepts contrast with the high value and respect implied by 尊い.
Test Yourself
My grandmother's necklace is very ____.
We use 'precious' (尊い) to describe something valuable and cherished.
Which word best describes the meaning of 尊い?
尊い means something is very valuable, noble, or sacred, inspiring deep respect.
The word 尊い is typically used to describe something trivial, like a piece of candy.
尊い is used for things of great importance, nobility, or sacredness, not trivial items.
Word
Meaning
These are common phrases using 尊い to emphasize the high value of the noun.
The phrase 'life is precious' (命は尊い - inochi wa tōtoi) is a common expression.
The ancient temple was considered a ______ place.
'Sacred' fits the meaning of 尊い when referring to religious or holy places.
Which context best fits the use of 尊い?
尊い is appropriate for abstract concepts like 'noble ideals' due to its formal and profound meaning.
The word 尊い can sometimes imply a sense of spiritual or existential value.
Yes, 尊い often elevates subjects to a level of profound, almost spiritual importance.
The philosopher argued that ______ existence is inherently 尊い.
The concept of 'human existence' being precious or sacred is a common philosophical theme where 尊い applies.
Her ______ sacrifice in the war became a legendary tale.
'Noble sacrifice' (尊い犠牲) is a standard collocation emphasizing the high moral value of the act.
Score: /10
Summary
Use 尊い to express profound value, nobility, or sacredness, elevating the subject beyond the ordinary.
- 尊い (tōtoi) is an adjective meaning precious, noble, or sacred.
- It signifies deep value, inspiring reverence and respect.
- Commonly used for life, sacrifices, ideals, and sacred concepts.
- Requires careful consideration of context due to its profound meaning.
Sound Association
Link 'tōtoi' to 'toy'. Imagine a toy so precious and noble it feels sacred – that's 尊い!
Context is Key
Reserve 尊い for moments of genuine awe, deep respect, or when discussing the profound value of life, ideals, or sacred things. Avoid using it for everyday items.
Respectful Tone
Using 尊い shows you hold the subject in very high regard. Ensure your tone matches this level of respect, especially in conversation.
Adjective Placement
Remember 尊い works like other Japanese i-adjectives: place it directly before the noun (尊い命) or use it predicatively with です (命は尊いです).
Example
命は最も尊いものだ。
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Phrases
More family words
還暦
B160th birthday (celebration of completing a 60-year cycle).
〜くらい
B1About; approximately; to the extent that.
認め合う
B1To recognize each other's worth; to acknowledge.
知人
B1Acquaintance.
顔見知り
A2Acquaintance; someone you know by sight.
活発な
B1Active; lively; vigorous.
甘える
B1To be spoiled, to fawn; to behave like a pampered child.
思春期
B1Adolescence; the period of transition from childhood to adulthood.
養子
B1Adopted child; a child taken into one's family by legal means.
養親
B2Adoptive parent.
