尊重する

The Japanese verb 尊重する (sonchoo suru) is a cornerstone of interpersonal communication and societal ethics in Japan. At its core, it translates to 'to respect,' 'to value,' or 'to give weight to.' However, in the Japanese linguistic landscape, it carries a specific nuance that distinguishes it from other forms of respect. While the English word 'respect' can cover everything from admiring a hero to following a rule, sonchoo suru specifically refers to the act of acknowledging the value, validity, or rights of something—often an abstract concept like an opinion, a decision, or a human right—and treating it with the importance it deserves.

Core Concept

The term is composed of 'Son' (尊), meaning noble or high-ranking, and 'Choo' (重), meaning heavy or important. Thus, to 'sonchoo' something is to treat it as having 'noble weight.'

You will most frequently encounter this word in contexts involving conflict resolution, teamwork, or legal and ethical discussions. It is the verb of choice when you want to say you are taking someone else's feelings into account without necessarily agreeing with them. It implies a level of maturity and democratic fairness. For instance, in a business meeting, even if a manager disagrees with a junior employee's proposal, they might say they 'respect' the effort and the perspective provided.

In a broader societal sense, sonchoo suru is used in the Japanese Constitution and legal documents to discuss the 'respect for fundamental human rights' (基本的人権の尊重). This elevates the word from a simple social nicety to a foundational legal principle. It suggests a proactive stance: not just 'not ignoring' something, but actively protecting and upholding its value. When you use this word, you are signaling that you are an empathetic, fair-minded individual who recognizes that others have their own agency and internal logic.

Nuance vs. Sonkei

Unlike 'sonkei suru' (to admire/look up to), 'sonchoo suru' is about honoring rights and choices. You can 'sonchoo' the opinion of someone you don't necessarily 'sonkei'.

Finally, consider the role of sonchoo suru in Japanese education. Students are taught from a young age to 'respect the individuality' (個性を尊重する) of their peers. This is a shift from older educational models that emphasized conformity. By using this word, you are participating in a modern Japanese discourse that values diversity and personal autonomy. It is a powerful tool for building bridges in both personal and professional relationships.

Grammar Note

This is a Suru-verb. It takes the object marker 'o' (を). [Noun] を尊重する.

Using 尊重する correctly requires understanding that it is a transitive verb that typically takes abstract nouns as its object. While you can 'respect' a person in English, in Japanese, if you use sonchoo suru with a person, it sounds slightly clinical, as if you are respecting their 'existence' or 'rights' rather than their character. To sound natural, focus on using it with nouns like 'opinion' (意見), 'will' (意思), 'rights' (権利), and 'diversity' (多様性).

Sentence Structure

[Subject] は [Object] を尊重する。Example: 会社は社員の自由を尊重する。(The company respects the freedom of its employees.)

In formal writing or business speech, you will often see it in the passive voice or combined with auxiliary verbs to express obligation or desire. For example, '尊重されるべきだ' (should be respected) is a common phrase in editorials and debates. When you want to express that you are following someone's wishes, you might say 'ご意向を尊重いたします' (I will respect your wishes), which is a very polite and professional way to agree to a client's request.

Another common usage is in the negative: '尊重しない' (not to respect) or '尊重に欠ける' (lacking respect). These are strong ways to criticize someone's behavior. If someone ignores a contract or a promise, you might say they are '契約を尊重していない' (not respecting the contract). This sounds more formal and serious than simply saying they 'broke' it. It implies a moral failing to recognize the importance of the agreement.

Common Collocations

1. 意見を尊重する (Respect opinions)
2. 意思を尊重する (Respect will/intent)
3. 個性を尊重する (Respect individuality)
4. 権利を尊重する (Respect rights)

When speaking, the polite form '尊重します' (sonchoo shimasu) is standard. In a casual setting with friends, you might use '尊重するよ' (sonchoo suru yo) to show support for a friend's difficult choice. For example, if a friend decides to quit their job to travel, you could say '君の決断を尊重するよ' (I respect your decision). This conveys a sense of 'I support you' and 'I won't judge you.'

Formal Usage

In Keigo (honorific speech), you might use 'お尊重申し上げます' (very rare) or more commonly, simply '尊重いたします' to show humility while respecting a superior's view.

If you are in Japan, you will hear 尊重する in a variety of official and semi-official capacities. One of the most common places is on the news (NHK, etc.) during segments about social issues, international relations, or legal changes. Reporters often use it when discussing how a new law will 'respect' certain rights or how a foreign leader has called for the 'respect' of international borders. It is a word that carries the weight of authority and serious intent.

The Workplace

In corporate Japan, 'sonchoo' is a buzzword for modern management. You will see it in company mission statements (経営理念) promising to respect employee diversity or customer feedback. During performance reviews, a manager might say, 'I respect your ambition, but...'

In schools, teachers use the word when mediating disputes between students. Instead of just telling children to 'be nice,' they might encourage them to 'respect the other person's feelings' (相手の気持ちを尊重する). This teaches children to recognize that others have an internal world as valid as their own. It's a key part of moral education (道徳) in the Japanese curriculum.

You will also find sonchoo suru in self-help books and psychological podcasts. In the context of mental health, experts often talk about 'self-respect' (自己尊重 - though 'self-esteem' is often 自己肯定感). They might advise listeners to 'respect their own boundaries' or 'respect their own pace of growth.' This usage is becoming increasingly common as Japan moves toward a more individual-focused social structure.

Legal and Political Context

The term appears in the Japanese Constitution Article 13: 'All of the people shall be respected as individuals.' (すべて国民は、個人として尊重される。)

On social media, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) or Note, you'll see users advocating for the 'respect of creators' rights' or 'respect for spoilers' (avoiding them). It’s a word that bridges the gap between high-level political discourse and everyday internet etiquette. If you want to sound thoughtful and considerate online, using sonchoo suru when discussing sensitive topics is a great way to show you are a 'reigi tadashii' (polite) person.

Entertainment

In dramas, a character might say 'I respect your choice' when a romantic partner decides to go abroad or pursue a dream, signaling a bittersweet but supportive breakup.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning 尊重する is using it as a direct synonym for 'respect' in every context. Specifically, confusing sonchoo suru with sonkei suru (尊敬する) is the number one pitfall. Sonkei is used for people you admire, look up to, or who are in a higher social position. Sonchoo, however, is for things like opinions, rights, or decisions. If you say 'I respect my teacher' using sonchoo, it sounds like you are saying you 'tolerate' or 'acknowledge the rights' of your teacher, which can be unintentionally rude or cold.

The 'Person' Mistake

Wrong: 私は父を尊重しています。(I respect [acknowledge the rights of] my father.)
Right: 私は父を尊敬しています。(I respect [admire] my father.)

Another mistake involves the level of formality. 尊重する is a relatively formal word. While it's not wrong to use it in casual conversation, using it for trivial things can sound overly dramatic or sarcastic. For example, if a friend chooses a pizza topping you don't like, saying 'I respect your choice' using sonchoo suru might sound like you're treating the pizza choice as a major human rights issue. In such cases, 'いいよ' (it's fine) or '尊重する' (with a light tone) works, but be aware of the 'weight' the word carries.

A third mistake is forgetting the particle. Since it is a transitive verb, it must take the particle 'o' (を). Some learners accidentally use 'ni' (に) because they are thinking of 'being respectful to someone.' However, sonchoo suru is an action you perform on an object (the opinion/right). Using the wrong particle can make the sentence incomprehensible or change the meaning entirely.

Particle Pitfall

Wrong: 彼の意見に尊重する。 (Incorrect)
Right: 彼の意見を尊重する。 (Correct)

Finally, be careful with the word omonjiru (重んじる). While it also means 'to value' or 'to respect,' it is much more literary and formal than sonchoo suru. Using omonjiru in a casual conversation with a coworker might make you sound like a samurai or a 19th-century scholar. Stick to sonchoo suru for most modern, professional, and polite contexts. It strikes the perfect balance between being respectful and being modern.

Summary of Mistakes

1. Confusing with 尊敬 (admiration).
2. Using 'ni' instead of 'o'.
3. Overusing it for trivial, everyday choices.

To truly master 尊重する, you must understand its relationship with its synonyms and alternatives. Japanese has many ways to express 'respect' or 'valuing,' each with its own specific context. Choosing the right one is the difference between sounding like a beginner and sounding like a native speaker. Let's look at the most common alternatives and how they compare to sonchoo suru.

尊敬する (Sonkei suru)

This is the 'admiration' respect. You use this for people you look up to, like parents, teachers, or historical figures. It is about their character and achievements.
Example: 私はイチローを尊敬しています。(I respect [admire] Ichiro.)

重んじる (Omonjiru)

This means 'to place importance on' or 'to value highly.' It is more formal and literary than 'sonchoo.' It is often used for traditional values, rules, or abstract principles.
Example: 彼は礼儀を重んじている。(He values etiquette highly.)

If you are looking for a more casual or emotional way to say you value something, taisetsu ni suru (大切にする) is the best choice. This translates to 'to cherish' or 'to treat as important.' You use this for physical objects you love, your family, or your health. While sonchoo suru is a cognitive act of recognition, taisetsu ni suru is an emotional act of caring. You 'sonchoo' an opinion, but you 'taisetsu ni' a friendship.

Another word often confused is uyamau (敬う). This is specifically for 'venerating' or 'showing reverence' to someone, often in a religious or highly traditional sense. You 'uyamau' your ancestors (先祖) or the gods (神). It involves a physical or ritualistic show of respect, like bowing or offering prayers. Sonchoo suru, by contrast, is more about the intellectual recognition of rights and autonomy in a modern society.

尊ぶ (Tattobu / Totobu)

This is a very formal, almost poetic word meaning 'to value' or 'to hold in high esteem.' You might see it in old literature or very formal speeches.
Example: 自由を尊ぶ心 (A heart that values freedom.)

In summary, choose sonchoo suru when you are talking about respecting opinions, decisions, rights, or individuality in a modern, polite, or professional context. Choose sonkei suru for people you admire. Choose omonjiru for principles you value. Choose taisetsu ni suru for things or people you care about emotionally. By mastering these distinctions, you will be able to express respect with the precision of a native Japanese speaker.

Quick Reference Table

- 尊重: Rights, Opinions, Decisions (Intellectual)
- 尊敬: People, Achievements (Admiration)
- 重んじる: Values, Rules (Formal Importance)
- 大切にする: Friends, Objects (Emotional Care)