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尊敬する

B1 verb #3,000 most common 8 min read

尊敬する

sonkei suru Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 尊敬する in 30 Seconds

Explanation 尊敬する in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to express basic feelings and relationships. '尊敬する' (sonkei suru) might be a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a way to say you 'really like and look up to' someone. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'I respect my teacher' or 'I respect my father.' At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex nuances or the difference between 'sonkei' and 'sonchou.' Just remember that it is a verb used for people you think are great. Think of it as 'Super Like + Admire.' You will mostly see it in its polite form 'sonkei shimasu' or 'sonkei shite imasu.' It is a good word to know for basic self-introductions when you want to talk about your family or a famous person you like. Even if you don't use it perfectly, Japanese speakers will understand your positive sentiment.

At the A2 level, you should begin to use '尊敬する' to describe people you admire in your community or in history. You are learning to connect sentences, so you might say 'He is a great doctor, so I respect him.' You should also start to recognize the noun form '尊敬' (sonkei). At this level, it's important to know that this verb is for people, not things. If you want to say you respect a rule, you should use 'mamoru' (to follow). You will also encounter the word in simple reading passages about famous Japanese people. Try using the '~te imasu' form, as in 'Haha o sonkei shite imasu' (I respect my mother), which sounds more natural than the plain present tense. This level is about building the habit of using the word in the right context—directed toward people you look up to.

As a B1 learner, you are expected to use '尊敬する' correctly in various social contexts, such as school, work, or casual conversations about values. You should understand the difference between '尊敬する' (respecting a person's character) and '尊重する' (respecting an idea or right). You should be comfortable using the passive form '尊敬されている' (is respected) to talk about public figures or respected colleagues. This is also the level where you start using adverbs like 'kokoro kara' (from the heart) to add depth to your expression. In interviews or essays, you might be asked 'Who do you respect?' and you should be able to provide a reason using '...kara' or '...node.' You are now moving beyond just 'liking' someone to 'admiring' them for specific qualities like hard work, kindness, or intelligence.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances of '尊敬する' and its synonyms. you can use it in more complex grammatical structures, such as '尊敬の念を抱く' (to hold feelings of respect) or '尊敬に値する' (worthy of respect). You understand the cultural implications of respect in Japanese society, including the hierarchical aspects and how respect is shown through speech (sonkeigo). You can participate in debates about social values and use 'sonkei' to describe the relationship between different generations. You should also be aware of more literary or formal alternatives like 'keifuku suru' (to be impressed by) and when to use them instead of the more common 'sonkei suru.' Your usage should be precise, avoiding any confusion with 'sonchou' or 'uyamau.'

At the C1 level, your use of '尊敬する' and related terms is sophisticated and context-aware. You can use the word in academic or professional writing to discuss leadership, social structures, or ethics. You are familiar with idiomatic expressions like 'ikkei no nen' (a sense of awe and respect) and can use them to describe profound admiration. You understand the historical development of the word and how its usage has shifted in modern times, including the influence of Western concepts of respect. You can analyze literature or media and discuss how 'sonkei' is portrayed between characters. Your speech reflects an understanding of the subtle distance that 'sonkei' can create, and you can navigate formal situations where expressing respect is a key part of social etiquette.

At the C2 level, you use '尊敬する' with the same precision and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about the nature of respect and its role in maintaining social harmony. You are capable of using the word in high-level oratory, legal contexts, or classical literary analysis. You understand the most obscure synonyms and can choose the exact word to match the desired register and emotional tone. You can also critique the use of the word in different cultural contexts, explaining how the Japanese concept of 'sonkei' differs from 'respect' in other languages. Your mastery of the word is complete, allowing you to use it creatively or formally with total confidence in its impact.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

尊敬する in 30 Seconds

A verb meaning 'to respect' or 'to hold in high regard,' specifically used for people's character and achievements.
Commonly used in formal situations like interviews and speeches to describe role models or mentors.
Must be distinguished from 'sonchou suru' (respecting ideas/rights) and 'uyamau' (revering elders/gods).
Typically used in the continuous form 'sonkei shite imasu' to describe an ongoing feeling of admiration.

The Japanese verb 尊敬する (sonkei suru) is a cornerstone of interpersonal relations in Japan, representing the act of holding someone in high regard, admiring their character, or looking up to their achievements. Unlike the English word 'respect,' which can be used for laws, boundaries, or people, sonkei suru is predominantly reserved for human beings—specifically those whose virtues, skills, or status inspire a deep sense of admiration. In the hierarchy-conscious society of Japan, this word carries a weight of sincerity and distance; it is not a word tossed around lightly in casual conversation, but rather a profound declaration of one's values.

Etymological Roots: The first kanji, 尊 (son), originally depicted a wine vessel held by two hands, signifying something precious or of high rank. The second kanji, 敬 (kei), combines elements representing discipline and a person standing straight, suggesting a focused, reverent attitude. Together, they form a concept of 'valuing someone with a disciplined mind.'

私は、自分の信念を貫く人を尊敬する。(I respect people who stick to their beliefs.)

In a professional context, you might use sonkei suru when discussing mentors or historical figures during an interview. It signals that you have a 'moral north star.' However, it is important to distinguish this from 尊重する (sonchou suru), which is used for respecting opinions, rights, or diversity. If you say you 'sonkei' someone's opinion, it sounds like you are worshipping the opinion itself rather than simply acknowledging its validity. Understanding this distinction is key for B1 learners moving toward fluency.

Culturally, sonkei is often tied to the concept of 'Sempai' (seniors) and 'Kohai' (juniors). While a junior is expected to show respect to a senior, sonkei suru implies a deeper, more personal connection than just following social protocol. It suggests that the senior has earned that respect through their actions. In modern Japanese, you might also hear the katakana version, リスペクトする (risupekuto suru), which is more common among younger generations and often carries a lighter, 'cool' nuance compared to the heavy, traditional feel of sonkei suru.

彼は多くの後輩から尊敬されている。(He is respected by many of his juniors.)

Using 尊敬する correctly requires an understanding of Japanese sentence structure and the nuance of 'state' versus 'action.' While sonkei suru is a verb, it is most frequently used in the continuous form 尊敬しています (sonkei shite imasu) to describe an ongoing feeling of respect. Simply saying sonkei shimasu can sometimes sound like a sudden decision to start respecting someone, which is less common in natural Japanese.

The Passive Form: To say someone 'is respected,' use the passive form: 尊敬されている (sonkei sarete iru). This is very common when describing public figures or beloved teachers. Example: 彼は世界中で尊敬されている。 (He is respected all over the world.)

私が最も尊敬する人は、私の祖父です。(The person I respect the most is my grandfather.)

Another important pattern is using the noun form 尊敬 (sonkei) with the particle no to modify other nouns. For instance, 尊敬の念 (sonkei no nen) means 'feelings of respect.' This is a more formal and literary way to express the concept. You might see this in novels or hear it in formal speeches at weddings or corporate ceremonies. Using such expressions demonstrates a high level of linguistic sophistication.

When you want to emphasize the degree of respect, adverbs like 心から (kokoro kara - from the heart) or 深く (fukaku - deeply) are your best friends. These additions make your sentiment feel more authentic. In Japanese culture, expressing respect is not just about the word itself, but the sincerity behind it. Therefore, choosing the right adverb can significantly change the impact of your sentence.

両親を心から尊敬しています。(I respect my parents from the bottom of my heart.)

In daily life, 尊敬する appears in specific social settings. One of the most common places is during self-introductions or interviews. In Japan, it is standard to be asked, 'Who is the person you respect the most?' (尊敬する人はだれですか？). This question is designed to reveal your character and the qualities you value in others. Whether you name a historical figure like Sakamoto Ryoma or a family member, using sonkei suru correctly is vital for making a good impression.

In the Workplace: You will often hear this word when a colleague is being praised or when a retirement speech is being given. It is a way to acknowledge a long career of dedication and expertise. Phrases like '尊敬の対象' (object of respect) are used to describe a legendary boss or mentor.

上司の仕事に対する姿勢を尊敬しています。(I respect my boss's attitude toward work.)

In Japanese media, such as dramas and anime, sonkei suru is a powerful emotional beat. When a protagonist admits they respect their rival, it signifies a turning point in their relationship. It moves the dynamic from pure competition to mutual recognition. This word is also frequent in documentaries about master craftsmen (Shokunin), where apprentices describe the 'sonkei' they feel for their master's unreachable skills.

Education is another domain where this word is ubiquitous. Teachers are traditionally seen as figures to be respected. In graduation ceremonies, students often use sonkei to describe the impact their teachers had on them. It is more than just liking a teacher; it is about acknowledging their role as a guide and a moral authority. Even in modern, more casual classrooms, the underlying expectation of sonkei remains a fundamental part of the Japanese educational spirit.

彼は恩師を一生尊敬し続けるだろう。(He will likely continue to respect his former teacher for his whole life.)

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using 尊敬する for non-human objects. In English, we say 'I respect the law' or 'I respect your privacy.' In Japanese, using sonkei suru here sounds very strange, as if you are treating the law or privacy like a person with a noble character. For laws, use 守る (mamoru - follow) or 遵守する (junshu suru - comply). For privacy or opinions, use 尊重する (sonchou suru - value/respect).

Mistake: Sonkei vs. Sonkeigo: Many learners confuse the verb sonkei suru with the grammatical category 尊敬語 (sonkeigo). While they share the same kanji, sonkeigo refers to the specific honorific language used to elevate the person you are talking to. You can use sonkeigo without actually sonkei suru (respecting) the person, and vice versa!

❌ 法律を尊敬します。 (Incorrect usage for laws)
✅ 法律を遵守します。 (Correct usage for compliance)

Another mistake involves the 'level' of the person. While you can respect anyone, sonkei suru usually implies a vertical relationship where the person you respect is 'above' you in some way—spiritually, professionally, or chronologically. If you use it for a younger sibling or a casual friend, it can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic unless the context is very clear that they have done something truly extraordinary.

Lastly, don't confuse sonkei with 憧れる (akogareru - to admire/long to be like). Akogareru is more emotional and often involves a desire to reach the same level as the person. Sonkei is more objective and grounded in moral or professional appreciation. You can respect someone you don't necessarily want to emulate, but you 'akogare' someone you want to be.

❌ 彼は私のことを尊敬している。 (Avoid saying others respect you unless reporting a fact.)

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing different shades of respect. Choosing the right one depends on the intensity of your feeling and the formality of the situation. While 尊敬する is the most versatile and common 'B1 level' word, knowing its alternatives will make your Japanese sound more natural and nuanced.

敬う (Uyamau): This is a more traditional and often spiritual word. It is frequently used for respecting elders, ancestors, or gods. It carries a sense of 'reverence' and 'sanctity' that sonkei lacks. You 'uyamau' your ancestors; you 'sonkei' your productive boss.
尊重する (Sonchou suru): As mentioned before, this is for abstract things. You respect (sonchou) someone's privacy, individual rights, or a different culture's customs. It is about 'valuing' something and giving it due weight.
敬服する (Keifuku suru): A very formal word used when you are deeply impressed by someone's skill or logic. It literally means to 'bow down in respect.' You might use this in a formal letter to an author or a professor whose work has changed your mind.

彼は伝統を敬っている。(He reveres tradition.)

For a more casual or modern vibe, young Japanese people often use リスペクト (risupekuto) as a noun or verb. It is common in subcultures like hip-hop, sports, or gaming. Saying 'マジでリスペクトするわ' (I seriously respect you) to a friend who just pulled off a difficult task is much more natural than using the formal sonkei suru. Another alternative is 仰ぐ (aogu), which means 'to look up to' someone as a leader or teacher, often used in phrases like '師と仰ぐ' (to look up to someone as one's teacher).

Lastly, 敬意を払う (keii o harau), meaning 'to pay respect,' is a very common idiomatic expression. It is used when you want to describe the action of showing respect through gestures, words, or behavior. For example, '対戦相手に敬意を払う' (to show respect to one's opponent) is a standard phrase in sports journalism. It implies a formal acknowledgment of the other person's worth.

私たちは彼の勇気に敬意を払った。(We paid respect to his courage.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji for 'Son' (尊) is also used in the word 'Tattobu,' which means to value something like a treasure. It shows that respect in Japanese is closely tied to the idea of 'value.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK [soŋkeː sɯᵝɾɯᵝ]

US [soŋkeɪ suːruː]

The pitch accent is typically 'Heiban' (flat), meaning the pitch stays relatively level after the first syllable.

Rhymes With

Enkei (circle) Tenkei (typical) Keikei (glittering) Senkei (linear) Genkei (prototype) Kenkei (prefectural police) Menkei (license) Benkei (famous warrior)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'son' as 'sun' in English.
Not elongating the 'ke' sound (it should be son-kee-ee).
Over-emphasizing the 'r' in 'suru' like an English 'r'.
Dropping the 'n' sound entirely.
Putting the stress on 'kei' instead of keeping it flat.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are common but require practice to write correctly.

Writing 4/5

Writing 'kei' (敬) can be tricky for beginners due to the number of strokes.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce once the long 'e' is mastered.

Listening 2/5

Very common in interviews and formal speeches.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

好き (Like) すごい (Amazing) 先生 (Teacher) 人 (Person) 思う (Think)

Learn Next

尊重する (Value/Respect rights) 敬う (Revere) 憧れる (Admire) 謙虚 (Humble) 徳 (Virtue)

Advanced

敬服 (Keifuku) 畏敬 (Ikei) 崇拝 (Suuhai) 敬意 (Keii)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs

尊敬する、勉強する、料理する

Passive Voice

尊敬される (To be respected)

Relative Clauses

私が尊敬する人 (The person I respect)

Adverbial use of Nouns

尊敬の念を持って (With a sense of respect)

Potential Form

尊敬できる (Can respect / Respectable)

Examples by Level

私は先生を尊敬しています。

I respect my teacher.

Uses the polite '~te imasu' form.

父は母を尊敬しています。

My father respects my mother.

A simple A を B が pattern.

あなたはだれを尊敬しますか？

Who do you respect?

A basic question using 'dare' (who).

私は有名なスポーツ選手を尊敬します。

I respect a famous athlete.

Direct object marked by を.

みんな、その人を尊敬しています。

Everyone respects that person.

'Minna' used as the subject.

尊敬する人はだれですか。

Who is the person you respect?

The verb modifies the noun 'hito'.

兄はとても尊敬できる人です。

My older brother is a very respectable person.

Potential form 'dekiru' used as an adjective.

私は彼を少し尊敬しています。

I respect him a little.

Adverb 'sukoshi' modifying the verb.

彼は一生懸命働くので、尊敬しています。

I respect him because he works very hard.

Uses 'node' to give a reason.

私の尊敬する人は、ナイチンゲールです。

The person I respect is Nightingale.

Relative clause 'watashi no sonkei suru hito'.

彼女は多くの学生から尊敬されています。

She is respected by many students.

Passive form 'sarete imasu'.

私たちは、お年寄りを尊敬するべきです。

We should respect the elderly.

Uses '~beki' (should).

尊敬している人に手紙を書きました。

I wrote a letter to the person I respect.

Relative clause modifying 'hito'.

彼の勇気ある行動を尊敬します。

I respect his courageous actions.

Abstract noun 'koudou' as the object.

あなたは両親を尊敬していますか。

Do you respect your parents?

Question form.

彼女は尊敬されるような仕事をしました。

She did work that is worthy of respect.

Passive potential-like construction.

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.

Relative clause describing the object.

尊敬の念を持って、先生に接しています。

I interact with my teacher with a sense of respect.

Noun phrase 'sonkei no nen o motte'.

彼は若くして成功したが、謙虚なので尊敬されている。

He succeeded young, but he is respected because he is humble.

Contrast using 'ga' and reason using 'node'.

私たちは互いに尊敬し合うことが大切だ。

It is important for us to respect each other.

Reciprocal form '~au'.

その政治家は、誠実さゆえに尊敬を集めている。

That politician is gathering respect due to his sincerity.

Formal reason 'yue ni' and idiom 'sonkei o atsumeru'.

私は彼のプロフェッショナルな姿勢を尊敬している。

I respect his professional attitude.

Specific attribute 'shisei' (attitude) as the object.

失敗を恐れずに挑戦する姿を尊敬します。

I respect the way he takes on challenges without fearing failure.

Noun phrase 'sugata' (appearance/way) as the object.

歴史上の人物で、あなたが最も尊敬するのは誰ですか。

Among historical figures, who is the one you respect the most?

Nominalized verb phrase 'sonkei suru no'.

彼の学問的な功績は、専門家の間でも尊敬の対象となっている。

His academic achievements are an object of respect even among experts.

Noun phrase 'sonkei no taishou'.

相手が誰であっても、一人の人間として尊敬すべきだ。

No matter who the other person is, you should respect them as a human being.

Concessive 'de atte mo' and 'beki' (should).

彼女のボランティア活動は、地域社会から深く尊敬されている。

Her volunteer activities are deeply respected by the local community.

Adverb 'fukaku' (deeply).

長年の努力が実を結び、彼はようやく尊敬を勝ち取った。

His years of effort bore fruit, and he finally won respect.

Idiom 'sonkei o kachitoru'.

親を尊敬するのは当然だが、盲目的に従うのとは違う。

Respecting parents is natural, but it's different from following them blindly.

Nominalized 'sonkei suru no' and contrast.

彼は敵ながら尊敬に値する人物だ。

Even though he is an enemy, he is a person worthy of respect.

Phrase 'sonkei ni ataisuru'.

異文化を尊敬し、理解しようとする姿勢が求められている。

An attitude of respecting and trying to understand different cultures is required.

Parallel verbs 'sonkei shi' and 'rikai shiyou to suru'.

その指導者は、部下たちの自律性を尊敬している。

That leader respects the autonomy of their subordinates.

Abstract object 'jiritsusei' (autonomy).

その作家の、真理を追究する真摯な姿勢には敬服せざるを得ない。

One cannot help but admire the author's sincere attitude in pursuing the truth.

Formal synonym 'keifuku' and '~zaru o enai' (cannot help but).

彼は、自らの信念のためにすべてを捧げた先駆者として尊敬を集めている。

He is widely respected as a pioneer who sacrificed everything for his beliefs.

Complex noun phrase as a role 'toshite'.

学問の自由を尊敬しない社会に、未来はない。

A society that does not respect academic freedom has no future.

Negative relative clause.

私たちは、自然界の調和に対して畏敬の念を抱くべきである。

We should hold a sense of awe and respect for the harmony of the natural world.

Formal phrase 'ikei no nen o idaku'.

彼の言葉には、聞き手に対する深い尊敬の念が込められていた。

His words were imbued with a deep sense of respect for the listeners.

Passive 'komerarete ita' (was filled with).

自己の尊厳を保ちつつ、他者を尊敬することは、民主主義の根幹である。

Respecting others while maintaining one's own dignity is the foundation of democracy.

Simultaneous action '~tsutsu'.

この寺院は、千年以上もの間、人々の尊敬と信仰の対象であり続けてきた。

This temple has continued to be an object of respect and faith for over a thousand years.

Duration and state '~de ari tsuzukete kita'.

対戦相手の卓越した技術に対し、彼は潔く尊敬の意を表した。

He gracefully expressed his respect for his opponent's outstanding skill.

Adverb 'kiyoku' (gracefully) and 'sonkei no i o arawasu'.

伝統の重みを尊敬しつつも、時代に即した変革を断行する勇気が必要だ。

While respecting the weight of tradition, the courage to carry out reforms suited to the times is necessary.

Contrastive '~tsutsu mo'.

彼は、知性と徳性を兼ね備えた、真に尊敬に値する稀有な人物である。

He is a rare individual, truly worthy of respect, possessing both intelligence and virtue.

Highly formal 'kane-sonaeta' and 'keu na' (rare).

その法典は、個人の不可侵な権利を尊敬することを基本理念としている。

The code of laws has the respect of individual inviolable rights as its fundamental principle.

Abstract legal context.

他者の沈黙を尊敬することは、時として言葉を重ねることよりも雄弁である。

Respecting another's silence is sometimes more eloquent than piling up words.

Philosophical comparison.

私たちは、先人たちが築き上げた文化遺産を尊敬し、次世代に継承する責務を負っている。

We bear the responsibility to respect the cultural heritage built by our predecessors and pass it on to the next generation.

Formal 'sekimu o ou' (bear responsibility).

彼の沈着冷静な判断力には、敵陣営からも尊敬の眼差しが向けられた。

Even from the enemy camp, looks of respect were directed toward his calm and cool judgment.

Idiom 'sonkei no manazashi'.

生命の尊厳を尊敬し得ない科学技術の発展は、人類にとっての脅威となり得る。

The development of science and technology that cannot respect the dignity of life can become a threat to humanity.

Formal potential 'shienai'.

相互尊敬の精神こそが、永続的な平和を構築するための鍵となる。

The spirit of mutual respect is precisely the key to building lasting peace.

Emphasis 'koso'.

Common Collocations

心から尊敬する

深く尊敬する

尊敬を集める

尊敬の対象

互いに尊敬する

尊敬の念を抱く

尊敬に値する

尊敬される人

尊敬の眼差し

恩師を尊敬する

Common Phrases

尊敬する人は誰ですか？

— Who is the person you respect? A standard question in interviews.

面接で『尊敬する人は誰ですか』と聞かれた。

尊敬の念に堪えない

— Cannot help but feel deep respect. A very formal expression of admiration.

彼の献身的な活動には尊敬の念に堪えない。

尊敬し合う関係

— A relationship of mutual respect. Used for healthy partnerships.

私たちは尊敬し合う関係を築きたい。

尊敬の意を表す

— To express one's respect. Used when formally stating admiration.

受賞者に尊敬の意を表した。

尊敬の眼差しを向ける

— To look at someone with respect. Describes a physical look.

彼は先輩に尊敬の眼差しを向けた。

最も尊敬する人物

— The person one respects the most. Used in essays or biographies.

彼は私が最も尊敬する人物です。

尊敬を込めて

— With respect. Used when doing something for someone admired.

尊敬を込めて、この曲を捧げます。

尊敬の対象としての...

— As an object of respect. Used in analytical contexts.

彼は尊敬の対象としての地位を確立した。

尊敬を勝ち取る

— To win or earn respect. Focuses on the effort required.

彼は実力で尊敬を勝ち取った。

一生尊敬する

— To respect for a lifetime. Shows deep, lasting commitment.

私はあなたを一生尊敬します。

Often Confused With

尊敬する vs 尊重する (Sonchou suru)

Used for ideas, rights, or opinions, not usually for a person's character.

尊敬する vs 敬う (Uyamau)

More spiritual or traditional; used for elders, gods, or ancestors.

尊敬する vs 憧れる (Akogareru)

To admire or long for someone; more about 'I want to be like them' than moral respect.

Idioms & Expressions

"一目置く"

— To recognize someone's superiority; to tip one's hat to someone.

彼の技術には誰もが一目置いている。

Neutral

"頭が下がる"

— To take one's hat off to someone; to be filled with admiration/shame for one's own lack of effort.

彼の努力には本当に頭が下がる。

Neutral

"襟を正す"

— To straighten one's collar; to correct one's own attitude out of respect for someone else's presence or actions.

彼の真剣な姿を見て、襟を正した。

Formal

"敬意を表する"

— To pay one's respects formally.

彼の功績に対し、敬意を表する。

Formal

"仰ぎ見る"

— To look up at; to revere.

彼は偉大な指導者として仰ぎ見られている。

Literary

"膝を折る"

— To kneel down (metaphorically); to show deep respect or submission.

彼の徳の高さに膝を折った。

Archaic

"敬して遠ざける"

— To respect from a distance; to keep someone at arm's length while being polite.

彼は有能だが、少し敬して遠ざけられている。

Neutral/Cynical

"崇め奉る"

— To revere and serve; often used for gods or high-ranking figures.

彼は王のように崇め奉られている。

Very Formal

"目を細める"

— To look at someone with fondness and pride (often involves respect for growth).

成長した弟子を見て、師匠は目を細めた。

Neutral

"兜を脱ぐ"

— To take off one's helmet; to admit defeat and acknowledge the other's superiority.

彼の才能には兜を脱ぐしかない。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

尊敬する vs 尊重 (Sonchou)

Both contain 'son' (respect/value).

Sonchou is for valuing things/rights; Sonkei is for admiring people.

意見を尊重する vs. 先生を尊敬する。

尊敬する vs 尊ぶ (Tattobu)

Same first kanji.

Tattobu is used for valuing virtues or abstract concepts like 'life'.

自由を尊ぶ。

尊敬する vs 敬意 (Keii)

Same second kanji, similar meaning.

Keii is the noun 'homage/respect'; Sonkei is the feeling/verb.

敬意を表する。

尊敬する vs 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo)

Contains the word 'sonkei'.

Sonkeigo is a grammar category (honorifics), not the feeling of respect.

尊敬語を使う。

尊敬する vs 崇拝 (Suuhai)

Both mean looking up to someone.

Suuhai is 'worship' and can be obsessive; Sonkei is healthy admiration.

アイドルを崇拝する。

Sentence Patterns

[Person] を尊敬します。

父を尊敬します。

[Reason] から [Person] を尊敬しています。

優しいから先生を尊敬しています。

[Person] は [Group] から尊敬されています。

彼はみんなから尊敬されています。

[Person] の [Quality] を尊敬しています。

彼女の勇気を尊敬しています。

[Person] は尊敬に値する人物だ。

彼は尊敬に値する人物だ。

[Person] に対して尊敬の念を抱く。

彼に対して尊敬の念を抱く。

[Person] に敬意を表する。

勝者に敬意を表する。

[Abstract] を尊敬しつつ、[Action]。

伝統を尊敬しつつ、変革を進める。

Word Family

Nouns

尊敬 (Respect)

尊敬語 (Honorific language)

尊厳 (Dignity)

自尊心 (Self-esteem)

Verbs

尊敬する (To respect)

尊重する (To value/respect rights)

尊ぶ (To prize/value)

Adjectives

尊敬すべき (Respectable)

尊い (Precious/Noble)

丁重な (Polite/Respectful)

礼儀 (Etiquette)

敬意 (Homage)

信頼 (Trust)

憧れ (Admiration)

模範 (Model)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in educational and professional contexts; moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using 'sonkei' for rules. → 法律を遵守する (Comply with the law).
'Sonkei' is for human character, not abstract regulations.
Saying 'I respect myself' as 'Watashi wa watashi o sonkei suru'. → 自尊心を持つ (Have self-esteem).
'Sonkei' is almost always directed at others in Japanese.
Confusing 'sonkei' with 'sonkeigo'. → 尊敬語を使う (Use honorifics).
One is a feeling, the other is a grammar system.
Using 'sonkei' for a movie you liked. → この映画は素晴らしい (This movie is wonderful).
You can't respect an inanimate object's 'character'.
Using 'risupekuto' in a formal speech. → 尊敬しております (I respect [formal]).
Loanwords are too casual for formal ceremonies.

Tips

Bowing and Respect

In Japan, showing respect is physical. Even if you say 'sonkei shite imasu,' your body language (like bowing) must match the words.

The Passive Form

Use 'sonkei sarete iru' to talk about how popular or beloved a leader is. It shifts the focus to their reputation.

Adverb Choice

Add 'kokoro kara' (from the heart) to make your respect sound deep and genuine rather than just polite.

Sonkei vs Sonchou

Remember: People = Sonkei. Ideas/Rules/Rights = Sonchou. Don't mix them up!

Self-Introduction

Mentioning a person you respect is a great way to tell people about your own values without being boastful.

Honorifics

When you hear 'sonkeigo' (honorifics), it's a sign of social respect, even if the word 'sonkei' isn't used.

Kanji Practice

The kanji for 'kei' (敬) is also in 'keigo.' Learning it helps you master a whole group of related words.

Mutual Respect

Use 'sougo sonkei' (mutual respect) when talking about international relations or marriage.

Kanji Roots

Knowing that 'son' comes from a wine vessel helps you remember it's about treating someone as 'precious'.

Katakana Respect

Younger people say 'risupekuto.' It's fine for friends, but never use it for your boss!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

SON-KEI: My SON thinks the KING (KEI) is great. He respects him.

Visual Association

Imagine two hands holding up a golden cup (the kanji 尊) to a wise teacher standing tall and straight (the kanji 敬).

Word Web

People Admiration Character Teachers Parents History Values Mentors

Challenge

Try to name three people in your life you sonkei and write one reason why for each using '...kara' (because).

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango). 'Son' (尊) comes from the image of an ancient wine vessel offered in rituals, symbolizing high status. 'Kei' (敬) comes from a combination of 'discipline' and 'person,' representing a respectful and upright posture.

Original meaning: To treat someone as a high-ranking or sacred person through disciplined behavior.

Sino-Japanese (Hanzi/Kanji roots).

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'sonkei' for yourself as it sounds arrogant. Always direct it toward others.

In English, 'respect' is used for rules and people equally. In Japanese, 'sonkei' is specifically for people's character.

Sakamoto Ryoma (often cited as a respected figure) The concept of 'Shokunin' (craftsmen) who are respected for their skill Interviews with sports stars like Ichiro Suzuki

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Job Interview

尊敬する人は...
その姿勢を尊敬し...
尊敬を集めるリーダー
尊敬に値する企業

Graduation Speech

恩師への尊敬
尊敬の念を込めて
尊敬し続ける
尊敬される大人

Family Talk

親を尊敬する
尊敬できる兄
祖父の生き方を尊敬
心から尊敬

Sports/Competition

ライバルを尊敬
相手に敬意を払う
尊敬し合う仲
プレーを尊敬

History Class

偉人を尊敬する
尊敬の対象
後世まで尊敬される
尊敬の念

Conversation Starters

"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?)"

"どんな性格の人を尊敬しますか？ (What kind of personality do you respect in people?)"

"最近、誰かを尊敬した瞬間はありますか？ (Is there a moment recently where you felt respect for someone?)"

"尊敬されるリーダーになるには何が必要だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to become a respected leader?)"

"歴史上の人物で尊敬している人はいますか？ (Is there any historical figure you respect?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、あなたが尊敬の念を抱いた出来事について書いてください。 (Write about an event today where you felt a sense of respect.)

あなたが尊敬する人のどのようなところを真似したいですか？ (What parts of the person you respect do you want to emulate?)

『尊敬』と『好き』の違いは何だと思いますか？ (What do you think is the difference between 'respect' and 'like'?)

自分が尊敬される人間になるために、何をすべきですか？ (What should you do to become a person who is respected?)

将来、自分の子供にどのように尊敬されたいですか？ (In the future, how do you want your children to respect you?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, but it sounds a bit heavy. It implies they did something truly amazing. For regular appreciation, 'sugoi to omou' is better.

'Sonkei' is for character and achievements. 'Uyamau' is for social status or spiritual reverence (elders, gods).

The most common term is 'jisonshin' (自尊心) or 'jiko-sonkei' (自己尊敬).

No, 'risupekuto' is a casual loanword. Use 'sonkei' or 'keii' in formal writing.

No, you 'sonkei' the author or the director. For the work itself, use 'subarashii' or 'kandou shita'.

'~te imasu' describes an ongoing state of feeling, which is how respect usually works. 'Shimasu' sounds like a one-time action.

Historically, 'uyamau' or 'ikei' was more common, but 'sonkei' can be used in modern contexts.

No, it is inherently positive. However, it can be used sarcastically in informal speech.

The most direct opposite is 'keibetsu' (contempt/disdain).

Say 'Watashi ga sonkei suru hito wa [Person] desu. Naze nara...' to explain your role model.