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畏敬する

B1 verb #9,000 most common 9 min read

畏敬する

ikei suru Top 9,000

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

Explanation 畏敬する in your Level:

At the A1 level, '畏敬する' (ikei suru) is a very advanced word that you likely won't need to use yourself. However, you can think of it as a 'super respect' word. At this stage, you are learning basic words like 'suki' (like) and 'daisuki' (love). 'Ikei suru' is like 'daisuki' but for something very big and serious, like a mountain or a king. You don't use it for pizza or friends. You use it for things that make you feel small. For example, if you see a very big, beautiful tree that is 1,000 years old, you might feel 'ikei.' Just remember: Ikei = Big Respect + Feeling Small. You probably won't hear it in a classroom, but you might hear it in a movie about a hero or a god. It's a special word for special things. For now, just focus on knowing that it's a very high level of respect.

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn verbs that describe emotions and social relationships. '畏敬する' is a formal verb that means 'to revere.' It's different from 'sonkei suru' (to respect). While you can 'sonkei' your teacher or your parents, 'ikei suru' is reserved for things that are truly grand. Think of the difference between respecting a good athlete and feeling awe when looking at the ocean. The ocean is so big and powerful that it's a little bit scary—that's the '畏' (i) part of the word. The '敬' (kei) part is the respect. In A2, you might see this word in simple stories about nature or Japanese history. You should know that it's a 'suru' verb, so it follows the same rules as 'benkyou suru' (to study). But remember, it's a very polite and serious word. You wouldn't use it in a casual chat with a friend.

As a B1 learner, you should begin to distinguish between different 'registers' of Japanese. '畏敬する' is a high-register verb. It translates to 'to revere' or 'to hold in awe.' The key nuance here is the 'awe'—a mixture of deep respect and a sense of wonder or even a slight, respectful fear. You will encounter this word in documentaries, news reports about nature, and literature. For example, when discussing environmental issues, a speaker might say we need to 'ikei suru' nature to protect it. It is also used for legendary figures. If you are writing an essay about someone you admire deeply, like Marie Curie or Steve Jobs, using 'ikei suru' instead of 'sonkei suru' shows that you view them as more than just a successful person—you view them as a monumental figure who changed the world. Note the construction: [Object] を畏敬する. It is a transitive verb.

At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using '畏敬する' in formal writing and understanding its nuances in complex texts. This word is often associated with the 'sublime' in aesthetics. It describes a psychological state where the subject acknowledges something as being on a vastly different scale of existence or power. You will find it in academic papers on religion, sociology, and art history. It's also worth noting the noun form '畏敬' (ikei) and the common phrase '畏敬の念を抱く' (to hold a sense of awe). At this level, you should be able to explain why 'ikei suru' is used instead of 'sonkei suru' in a given context. For instance, in a passage about the Japanese Emperor, 'ikei' is used to emphasize the historical and sacred weight of the position. You should also be aware of related terms like 'ikei-fu' (awe and fear) and 'keifuku' (admiration), and be able to choose the most appropriate term based on the desired level of formality and the specific emotion being described.

For C1 learners, '畏敬する' is a tool for expressing complex philosophical and existential sentiments. It often appears in the context of 'Ningen-kan' (views on humanity) and 'Shizen-kan' (views on nature). In modern Japanese discourse, the word is frequently used to critique the loss of humility in the face of technological progress. You should be able to identify the subtle shifts in meaning when '畏敬' is paired with different verbs, such as '畏敬を払う' (to pay reverence) or '畏敬に値する' (to be worthy of reverence). In C1 level reading materials, such as editorials in the Asahi Shimbun or literary criticism, this word is used to evoke a specific cultural atmosphere—one that values the 'unfathomable' and the 'sacred.' You should also be sensitive to how the word can be used ironically in contemporary literature to describe modern 'idols' or the 'cult of personality' in politics, highlighting the gap between the traditional sacred meaning and the modern secular usage.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '畏敬する' and can use it to articulate the most profound aspects of the human experience. You understand that this word is not just a vocabulary item but a reflection of a specific ontological stance. In the works of philosophers like Nishida Kitaro or writers like Kawabata Yasunari, '畏敬' represents the intersection of the self and the absolute. You should be able to use the word in high-level debates about ethics, especially regarding artificial intelligence or genetic engineering, where the question of whether we should 'ikei suru' the boundaries of nature is a central theme. Furthermore, you can appreciate the phonetic weight of the word—the sharp 'i' followed by the resonant 'kei'—and how it contributes to the gravitas of a speech or a poem. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the word to convey a sense of the transcendental with precision and cultural resonance.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

畏敬する in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to revere or hold in awe, combining respect with a sense of overwhelming grandeur.
Primarily used for nature, deities, or historical legends, rather than peers or casual acquaintances.
Functions as a transitive 'suru' verb (Object を畏敬する) and is common in literature and documentaries.
Carries a positive nuance of humility before the sublime, distinguishing it from pure fear (畏怖).

The Japanese verb 畏敬する (ikei suru) is a sophisticated term that translates to 'to revere,' 'to hold in awe,' or 'to worship.' Unlike general respect, which can be directed toward a teacher or a senior colleague, 畏敬する carries a profound weight. It is a combination of two kanji: 畏 (fear/awe) and 敬 (respect). This linguistic pairing suggests a feeling where one is so moved by the greatness, power, or sanctity of something that they feel a slight, healthy sense of 'fear' or insignificance in its presence, balanced by deep admiration.

Core Nuance: The term describes a spiritual or psychological state of being overwhelmed by the sublime. It is the feeling you get when standing at the foot of a massive mountain or reading the works of a world-changing philosopher.
Usage Context: Commonly used in literature, formal speeches, and discussions regarding nature, religion, or historical figures. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation unless speaking about something truly extraordinary.

人々は大自然の力を畏敬するべきだ。
(People should hold the power of great nature in awe.)

In Japanese culture, this word is deeply tied to the traditional view of nature. Shintoism, for example, often involves the 畏敬 (ikei) of 'kami' which reside in mountains, trees, and waterfalls. It isn't just about liking something; it's about acknowledging a power that is far greater than oneself. When you use this word, you are signaling that the object of your respect is on a different level entirely—it borders on the divine or the transcendental.

彼はその偉大な科学者を心から畏敬している。
(He sincerely reveres that great scientist.)

Historically, the term was used for emperors or deities. In modern Japanese, it has broadened to include legendary figures in sports, science, or the arts. For instance, a young pianist might use this word to describe their feelings toward Chopin or Mozart. The 'fear' element (畏) is not a fear of being harmed, but a 'fear' of the vast gap between one's own capabilities and the perfection of the subject.

Register: Highly formal and literary. It appears frequently in essays (Zuihitsu) and formal documentaries.

古代の人々は雷を神の怒りとして畏敬した。
(Ancient people revered thunder as the wrath of God.)

To truly master 畏敬する, one must understand the Japanese concept of 'mono no aware' and the relationship between humans and the environment. It is a word that humbles the speaker. If you say you 'respect' (尊敬) a teacher, you are equals in humanity. If you 'revere' (畏敬) them, you are placing them on a pedestal of monumental significance.

Grammar Hint: It functions as a transitive verb taking the particle を (o) for the object of awe.

宇宙の広大さを前にして、私はただ畏敬するばかりだった。
(In the face of the vastness of the universe, I could only stand in awe.)

Using 畏敬する correctly requires an understanding of the relationship between the subject and the object. The word is most effective when the object is something that inspires a mix of wonder and humility. It is structured as [Object] を [Subject] が畏敬する. Because it is a 'suru' verb, it follows standard conjugation patterns but is almost always found in its polite (~shimasu) or literary (~suru/shita) forms.

Nature and the Environment: Nature is the most frequent object. Whether it is the sea, the mountains, or the stars, 畏敬する implies that nature is a force beyond human control.

登山家たちは、その険しい山を神聖なものとして畏敬している。
(The mountain climbers revere that steep mountain as something sacred.)

When applied to people, it must be someone whose achievements or character are legendary. You wouldn't use this for a friend who is good at math. You would use it for someone like Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, or a master craftsman who has spent 60 years perfecting a single skill. It highlights the 'extraordinary' nature of the person.

Historical/Religious Context: In religious contexts, it describes the attitude of the faithful toward a deity or a saint. It is the proper term for 'fearing God' in a respectful, non-terrified sense.

彼は神の存在を畏敬している。
(He holds the existence of God in awe.)

Another common pattern is using the noun form '畏敬' with the verb '抱く' (idaku - to embrace/hold). This is often seen as '畏敬の念を抱く' (to hold a feeling of awe). This is slightly more common in writing than the verb form '畏敬する'. Both are correct, but the noun-based phrase emphasizes the internal emotion more than the action of revering.

新しい命の誕生に、医師は畏敬の念を抱いた。
(The doctor felt a sense of awe at the birth of a new life.)

In a professional setting, you might use it to describe a corporate philosophy or a relationship with a legendary founder. However, be careful not to use it for your direct supervisor, as it might sound overly dramatic or sarcastic unless they are truly a world-renowned figure in the industry.

The 'Fear' Element: Remember that 畏 (osore) implies a distance. To revere something is to acknowledge that you are not on its level. This makes the word perfect for describing the sublime in art and music.

聴衆はそのピアニストの完璧な演奏を畏敬した。
(The audience revered the pianist's perfect performance.)

You are unlikely to hear 畏敬する at a casual izakaya or while shopping. Instead, you will encounter it in environments that value high-level discourse and emotional depth. One of the most common places is in nature documentaries (like NHK specials) where the narrator describes the overwhelming beauty of the deep sea or the Himalayan peaks. The language used in these programs is often poetic and formal, making 畏敬する a staple choice.

Documentaries and Educational Media: Narrators use it to emphasize the majesty of the natural world. It sets a tone of humility before the forces of biology and geology.

「私たちはこの神秘的な森を畏敬する心を持ち続けなければなりません。」
('We must continue to have a heart that reveres this mysterious forest.')

Another prime location is in literature and philosophy. If you read Japanese translations of Kant, Hegel, or religious texts, 畏敬 is the standard translation for 'Awe' or 'Reverence.' In Japanese novels, especially those with a serious or philosophical tone (like those by Natsume Soseki or Yukio Mishima), this word is used to describe a character's internal transformation when they encounter something beyond their comprehension.

Museums and Art Galleries: Audio guides or descriptions of ancient artifacts often use 畏敬する to describe how the original creators viewed the objects or the gods they represented.

この仏像は、当時の人々がどれほど仏を畏敬していたかを物語っています。
(This Buddha statue tells the story of how much the people of that time revered the Buddha.)

In business, it might appear in a CEO's New Year's address or a company's 'philosophy' (Keiei Rinen) page. For example, a company specializing in environmental technology might state that they 'revere the Earth's resources.' It adds a layer of ethical weight to their mission statement that a simpler word like 'taisetsu ni suru' (to value) cannot achieve.

Anime and Manga: In fantasy or historical series (like 'Princess Mononoke' or 'Berserk'), characters often use this word when encountering gods, demons, or legendary heroes. It signals that the power level of the entity is off the charts.

「その王の圧倒的なカリスマを、民衆は畏敬した。」
('The people held the king's overwhelming charisma in awe.')

The most common mistake learners make with 畏敬する is using it for everyday respect. Because English often uses 'respect' for both a teacher and a deity, learners might translate 'I respect my teacher' as 'Sensei o ikei shimasu.' This sounds very strange to a Japanese ear. It implies your teacher is a divine entity or a force of nature. For people you know personally, 尊敬する (sonkei suru) is almost always the correct choice.

Mistake 1: Misusing for Peers: Don't use it for friends, colleagues, or even bosses unless they are world-famous figures. It creates an awkward emotional distance.

❌ 私は父を畏敬している。
✅ 私は父を尊敬している。
(Unless your father is a legendary figure, 'sonkei' is better.)

Another mistake is confusing it with 畏怖する (ifu suru). While both share the kanji 畏 (fear), 畏怖 is much closer to 'pure dread' or 'terror' mixed with awe. If you use 畏怖する, you are saying you are scared of the object. 畏敬する, however, is positive. It is a 'fear' that leads to worship and admiration, not a fear that makes you want to run away.

Mistake 2: Confusing with Terror: 畏敬 is 80% respect, 20% awe. 畏怖 is 80% fear, 20% awe. Choose based on whether you want to emphasize the positive admiration or the overwhelming power.

❌ 猛獣を畏敬する。
✅ 猛獣を畏怖する。
(You fear a wild beast; you don't necessarily revere its character.)

Finally, learners often forget that 畏敬 is a 'suru' verb. They might try to use it as an 'i-adjective' or 'na-adjective' incorrectly. While you can say '畏敬すべき' (ikei subeki - worthy of reverence), you cannot say 'ikei na' or 'ikei i'. Always treat it as a noun or a verb.

Mistake 3: Grammar Errors: Remember that the object of your awe takes the particle を (o). Some learners mistakenly use に (ni) because they think of it as 'giving respect to' someone.

❌ 神に畏敬する。
✅ 神を畏敬する。
(Standard transitive verb usage.)

To expand your vocabulary beyond 畏敬する, it is helpful to understand the spectrum of respect and awe in Japanese. Different words are used depending on whether the object is a person, a deity, or a concept. Using the right word shows a high level of linguistic sensitivity.

尊敬する (Sonkei suru): The standard word for 'respect.' Used for teachers, parents, and successful people. It lacks the 'fear/awe' element of 畏敬.
敬う (Uyamau): A more native Japanese (wago) word for revere or respect. It is often used for elders or ancestors. It feels warmer and less academic than 畏敬する.
崇拝する (Suuhai suru): Translates to 'worship' or 'idolize.' This is more active and can sometimes have a negative connotation (like cult-like worship) or describe obsessive fans (idol suuhai).
崇める (Agameru): To revere or hold in high esteem. Often used for gods or high-ranking people. It has a 'looking up' nuance.

比較：
1. 先生を尊敬する (Respect a teacher)
2. 神を畏敬する (Revere God)
3. アイドルを崇拝する (Worship an idol)

When you want to describe a more intellectual type of respect, you might use 敬服する (keifuku suru). This means to 'admire' or 'be impressed by' someone's skill or character. It is very common in formal letters or business settings when you are genuinely moved by someone's work.

In a more literary or dramatic sense, 平伏する (heifuku suru) means to prostrate oneself. While 畏敬する is a mental state, 平伏する is the physical action of showing that reverence. This is common in historical dramas (Jidaigeki).

Summary of Alternatives: Use 'Sonkei' for people, 'Uyamau' for elders/tradition, 'Ikei' for the sublime/divine, and 'Suuhai' for worship/idolization.

科学の進歩を畏敬する一方、その危険性も忘れてはならない。
(While revering the progress of science, we must not forget its dangers.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, 畏 was often used for the fear of natural disasters or divine punishment. By combining it with 敬, the meaning shifted from 'running away in fear' to 'staying in place out of deep respect.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK i-ke-i su-ru

US i-ke-i su-ru

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. In 'ikei', the pitch usually starts low on 'i' and rises on 'kei'.

Rhymes With

Taikei (system) Keikei (reverence - rare) Seikei (forming) Meikei (clear) Heikei (background - variant) Teikei (cooperation) Kei (respect/line) Rei (example/politeness)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'kei' as two separate syllables 'ke-i' with a break.
Using a strong English-style 'r' in 'suru'.
Misplacing the pitch accent, making it sound like 'ikkei' (different word).
Failing to elongate the 'e' sound in 'kei' properly.
Making the initial 'i' too long.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

The kanji 畏 is not common in daily life and is a Joyo kanji learned in middle school.

Writing 5/5

Writing 畏 correctly requires attention to stroke order and the 'rice field' (田) component inside.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation is easy, but choosing the right context is hard.

Listening 3/5

Easily recognized in formal contexts due to its distinct sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

尊敬 (Sonkei) 敬う (Uyamau) 恐れる (Osoreru) 自然 (Shizen) 神 (Kami)

Learn Next

崇高 (Suukou) 神秘 (Shinpi) 荘厳 (Sougon) 畏怖 (Ifu) 敬虔 (Keiken)

Advanced

不可侵 (Fukashin - Inviolable) 絶対者 (Zettaisha - The Absolute) 帰依 (Kie - Spiritual devotion) 崇める (Agameru) 敬服 (Keifuku)

Grammar to Know

Suru-verbs (Noun + する)

畏敬 + する = 畏敬する

Transitive Verbs with を

自然を畏敬する

Passive Form (～される)

彼は世界中で畏敬されている。

Causative Form (～させる)

その光景は見る者を畏敬させる。

Honorific/Humble potential (rare for this word)

畏敬の念を抱いております。

Examples by Level

人々は山を畏敬する。

People revere the mountain.

Simple Subject-Object-Verb structure.

私は大自然を畏敬する。

I hold great nature in awe.

大自然 (daishizen) is a common object for this verb.

彼はその王を畏敬した。

He revered that king.

Past tense: 畏敬した (ikei shita).

私たちは神を畏敬します。

We revere God.

Polite form: 畏敬します (ikei shimasu).

子供は海を畏敬する。

The child holds the sea in awe.

The object is 海 (umi - sea).

古い木を畏敬する。

Revere the old tree.

Direct object を + verb.

星空を畏敬する心。

A heart that reveres the starry sky.

畏敬する describes the noun '心' (kokoro).

太陽を畏敬する。

Revere the sun.

Short form used as a general statement.

日本人は富士山を畏敬している。

Japanese people revere Mount Fuji.

Te-iru form for a continuous state of feeling.

その英雄は皆に畏敬された。

That hero was revered by everyone.

Passive form: 畏敬された (ikei sareta).

生命の神秘を畏敬するべきだ。

We should revere the mystery of life.

V-beki da (should/must).

彼は偉大な芸術家を畏敬している。

He reveres the great artist.

Focus on the object '伟大な芸術家'.

古い伝統を畏敬する文化がある。

There is a culture that reveres old traditions.

畏敬する modifies '文化' (bunka).

科学者は宇宙の法則を畏敬する。

Scientists revere the laws of the universe.

Abstract object: 宇宙の法則 (uchuu no housoku).

誰もがその指導者を畏敬した。

Everyone revered that leader.

誰もが (daremo ga) means 'everyone'.

私たちは歴史を畏敬しなければならない。

We must revere history.

Must: ~nakereba naranai.

その沈黙には、人を畏敬させる力があった。

That silence had the power to make people feel awe.

Causative form: 畏敬させる (ikei saseru).

大聖堂の美しさに、私は畏敬の念を覚えた。

I felt a sense of awe at the beauty of the cathedral.

畏敬の念を覚える (ikei no nen o oboeru - to feel a sense of awe).

彼女は自然界の調和を深く畏敬している。

She deeply reveres the harmony of the natural world.

Adverb '深く' (fukaku - deeply) enhances the verb.

古代の人々が太陽を畏敬した理由は明白だ。

The reason ancient people revered the sun is obvious.

Relative clause: 古代の人々が太陽を畏敬した (revered the sun).

そのピアニストの技術は、畏敬するに値する。

The pianist's skill is worthy of reverence.

~ni ataisuru (to be worthy of).

宇宙飛行士は地球の姿を見て、ただ畏敬した。

The astronaut just stood in awe looking at the Earth.

Adverb 'ただ' (tada - just/only).

私たちは先人の知恵を畏敬すべきである。

We should revere the wisdom of our ancestors.

先人の知恵 (senjin no chie).

彼は、畏敬する師匠の教えを守り続けた。

He continued to follow the teachings of his revered master.

畏敬する modifies '師匠' (shishou - master).

宗教的な儀式は、超越的な存在を畏敬するために行われる。

Religious rituals are performed to revere a transcendental being.

~tame ni (in order to).

その学者は、真理を畏敬するあまり、私生活を犠牲にした。

The scholar revered the truth so much that he sacrificed his private life.

~amari (too much... that...).

畏敬の対象が失われた現代社会は、どこか虚しい。

Modern society, having lost the object of its reverence, is somehow empty.

畏敬の対象 (ikei no taishou - object of reverence).

この詩は、死という不可避な運命を畏敬する心を表している。

This poem expresses a heart that reveres the inevitable fate called death.

Apposition: 死という不可避な運命.

彼は自らの限界を知ることで、他者の才能を畏敬するようになった。

By knowing his own limits, he came to revere the talents of others.

~you ni naru (to come to/to reach the point where).

圧倒的な力の差を前に、彼は畏敬の念を抱かずにはいられなかった。

In the face of an overwhelming difference in power, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe.

~zu ni wa irarenai (cannot help but...).

自然を支配するのではなく、畏敬することこそが共生への道だ。

Not dominating nature, but revering it, is the path to coexistence.

~koso (emphasis).

その建築物は、神の栄光を畏敬するために設計された。

The building was designed to revere the glory of God.

Passive: 設計された (was designed).

カントは、我が上なる星空と、我が内なる道徳律を畏敬した。

Kant revered the starry heavens above him and the moral law within him.

A famous philosophical reference.

畏敬する心は、人間の傲慢さを抑制する重要な倫理的契機となる。

A revering heart serves as an important ethical trigger to suppress human arrogance.

倫理的契機 (rinriteki keiki - ethical trigger/opportunity).

文学とは、言葉という神秘的な媒体を畏敬する営みである。

Literature is an endeavor that reveres the mysterious medium called words.

営み (itunami - activity/endeavor).

その独裁者は、国民に畏敬されることを望んだが、得たのは畏怖だけだった。

The dictator wanted to be revered by the citizens, but all he got was fear.

Contrast between 畏敬 (reverence) and 畏怖 (fear).

私たちは、AIの知能を畏敬すべきか、それとも警戒すべきか。

Should we revere the intelligence of AI, or should we be wary of it?

A/B choice structure: ~beki ka, soretomo ~beki ka.

芸術の本質は、目に見えない真理を畏敬し、形にすることにある。

The essence of art lies in revering invisible truths and giving them form.

~ni aru (lies in/consists of).

伝統の重みを畏敬しつつも、新しい時代を切り拓かねばならない。

While revering the weight of tradition, we must carve out a new era.

~tsutsu mo (while... also).

生命の連鎖を畏敬することは、エコロジーの根本的な出発点である。

Revering the chain of life is the fundamental starting point of ecology.

根本的な出発点 (fundamental starting point).

絶対的な他者を畏敬する身振りの中に、宗教の本来的地平が開かれる。

In the gesture of revering the absolute Other, the original horizon of religion is opened.

Highly academic terminology: 本来的地平 (original horizon).

科学的合理性が極まった先に、再び神秘への畏敬が回帰するのは逆説的だ。

It is paradoxical that a reverence for mystery returns at the point where scientific rationality has reached its limit.

逆説的 (gyakusetsuteki - paradoxical).

彼は、宇宙の沈黙を畏敬し、その静寂の中に自己を埋没させた。

He revered the silence of the universe and immersed himself within that stillness.

埋没させる (maibotsu saseru - to immerse/bury).

畏敬する対象の不在こそが、現代における精神的危機の根源である。

The very absence of an object to revere is the root of the spiritual crisis in modern times.

根源 (kongen - root/source).

崇高な美を畏敬する経験は、個人のエゴイズムを一時的に解体する。

The experience of revering sublime beauty temporarily dismantles individual egoism.

解体する (kaitai suru - to dismantle/deconstruct).

言葉の限界を意識する詩人は、沈黙をこそ最も畏敬する。

A poet conscious of the limits of language reveres silence above all else.

Focus on 'silence' as the object.

歴史の深淵を畏敬し得ない者に、未来を語る資格はない。

Those who cannot revere the abyss of history have no right to speak of the future.

~uru/enai (can/cannot).

生命の根源に対する畏敬の念は、あらゆる道徳の前提条件であるべきだ。

A sense of awe toward the source of life should be the precondition for all morality.

前提条件 (zentei jouken - precondition).

Synonyms

尊敬する敬う崇拝する崇める敬服する感服する礼賛する畏怖する

Antonyms

軽蔑する侮る見下す嘲笑する

Common Collocations

大自然を畏敬する

神を畏敬する

畏敬の念を抱く

畏敬の念に打たれる

畏敬の対象

畏敬の念を禁じ得ない

深く畏敬する

畏敬すべき

畏敬を持って接する

畏敬の念を示す

Common Phrases

畏敬の念を抱く

— To hold a feeling of awe. This is the most common way to express the emotion in writing.

その美しさに畏敬の念を抱いた。

畏敬の眼差し

— A look of awe. Used when someone is staring at something incredible with deep respect.

子供たちは宇宙飛行士を畏敬の眼差しで見つめた。

畏敬を払う

— To pay reverence. Similar to 'paying respect' but much more formal.

伝統に対して畏敬を払う。

畏敬の情

— Feelings of reverence. A slightly softer, more poetic version of 畏敬の念.

山々への畏敬の情が彼を動かした。

畏敬される存在

— A revered existence. Used for people who are looked up to by everyone.

彼は学界で畏敬される存在だ。

畏敬の念に満ちる

— To be filled with awe. Describes a space or a person's heart.

会場は畏敬の念に満ちていた。

畏敬の念を呼び起こす

— To evoke a sense of awe. Used for things like art or music.

この曲は聴く者に畏敬の念を呼び起こす。

畏敬の念を捧げる

— To offer reverence. Often used in religious or formal contexts.

英霊に畏敬の念を捧げる。

畏敬の念を失う

— To lose the sense of awe. Often used as a warning about modern attitudes.

人間は自然への畏敬の念を失ってはならない。

畏敬の念をもって

— With a sense of awe. Used as an adverbial phrase.

畏敬の念をもってその名を呼ぶ。

Often Confused With

畏敬する vs 尊敬 (Sonkei)

Sonkei is for human respect; Ikei is for awe toward the sublime.

畏敬する vs 畏怖 (Ifu)

Ifu is 80% fear; Ikei is 80% respect.

畏敬する vs 崇拝 (Suuhai)

Suuhai is active worship/idolization; Ikei is a state of mind/feeling.

Idioms & Expressions

"畏敬の念を禁じ得ない"

— Cannot help but feel a sense of awe. Used when something is so grand that the emotion is overwhelming.

その壮大な建築を前に、畏敬の念を禁じ得なかった。

Formal/Literary

"神を畏れ敬う"

— To fear and revere God. A fixed religious expression.

彼は神を畏れ敬う敬虔な信者だ。

Religious

"掌中の珠を畏敬する"

— While not a common idiom, the idea of revering something precious is often expressed through similar metaphors.

命という掌中の珠を畏敬する。

Literary

"畏敬の念に打たれる"

— To be struck by a sense of awe. Implies a sudden, powerful realization.

その絵画の迫力に、私は畏敬の念に打たれた。

Formal

"畏敬の眼差しで見送る"

— To see someone off with a look of awe. Often used when a hero or legend departs.

群衆は英雄を畏敬の眼差しで見送った。

Literary

"畏敬の念を忘れない"

— To never forget the sense of awe. A common moral teaching.

先祖への畏敬の念を忘れない。

Neutral

"畏敬の対象とする"

— To make something an object of reverence.

彼らはその巨石を畏敬の対象とした。

Formal

"畏敬の念を懐く"

— An older variant of '畏敬の念を抱く'.

古き良きものに畏敬の念を懐く。

Archaic/Literary

"畏敬の念を喚起する"

— To arouse/awaken a sense of awe.

その演説は国民の畏敬の念を喚起した。

Formal

"畏敬の念を新たにする"

— To renew one's sense of awe. Used when seeing something familiar in a new, grand light.

再訪して、その山の美しさに畏敬の念を新たにした。

Formal

Easily Confused

畏敬する vs 異形 (Igyou)

Homophone (same sound 'i-gyou' vs 'i-kei' is close).

Igyou means 'grotesque' or 'strange form.' Ikei is 'reverence.'

異形の怪物 (A grotesque monster) vs 畏敬の念 (A sense of awe).

畏敬する vs 遺影 (Iei)

Phonetically similar.

Iei is a portrait of the deceased. Ikei is reverence.

遺影を飾る (Display a portrait of the deceased).

畏敬する vs 敬服 (Keifuku)

Both involve deep respect.

Keifuku is intellectual admiration of a person's skill. Ikei is spiritual awe toward greatness.

彼の手際に敬服する。

畏敬する vs 崇める (Agameru)

Both mean to revere.

Agameru is an action (treating something as high). Ikei is an internal feeling/state.

彼を指導者として崇める。

畏敬する vs 恐縮 (Kyoushuku)

Both involve a sense of 'fear/shrinking' (畏/恐).

Kyoushuku is feeling small due to being grateful or apologetic. Ikei is feeling small due to awe.

お褒めいただき恐縮です。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] を畏敬する

自然を畏敬する。

[Noun] に畏敬の念を抱く

宇宙に畏敬の念を抱く。

[Noun] は畏敬に値する

彼の勇気は畏敬に値する。

畏敬の念を禁じ得ない

その美しさに畏敬の念を禁じ得ない。

[Noun] を [Noun] として畏敬する

山を神として畏敬する。

畏敬の対象となる [Noun]

畏敬の対象となる指導者。

畏敬の念を新たにする

伝統の深さに畏敬の念を新たにした。

畏敬の念をもって [Verb]

畏敬の念をもって接する。

Word Family

Nouns

畏敬 (Ikei - Reverence/Awe)

畏敬の念 (Ikei no nen - Feeling of awe)

畏敬心 (Ikeishin - Revering heart)

Verbs

畏敬する (Ikei suru - To revere)

畏れる (Osoreru - To fear/be in awe)

敬う (Uyamau - To respect/revere)

Adjectives

畏敬すべき (Ikei subeki - Worthy of reverence)

尊敬 (Sonkei)

崇拝 (Suuhai)

畏怖 (Ifu)

敬意 (Keii)

崇高 (Suukou)

How to Use It

frequency

Low in conversation, High in literature/documentaries.

Common Mistakes

Using 'ikei suru' for a friend. → 尊敬する (sonkei suru)
It's too formal and dramatic for social equals.
Using the particle に instead of を. → 神を畏敬する
It is a transitive verb, so を is standard.
Confusing 'ikei' with 'ifu' (terror). → 畏敬 (ikei)
Ikei is positive; ifu is mostly negative/scary.
Writing the kanji 畏 with the wrong bottom radical. → 畏
The bottom is not 'kokoro' (heart), though it looks similar.
Using it for food you really like. → 大好き (daisuki)
Ikei is for the sublime, not for personal tastes.

Tips

Context is King

Always check if the object is 'grand' enough for this word. If it's not a mountain, a god, or a legend, stick to 'sonkei'.

Particle Choice

Remember to use を (o) for the object. Even though you 'give' respect in English, in Japanese you 'do' reverence to the object.

Kanji Precision

The kanji 畏 is often confused with 恩 (on - favor). Make sure the bottom part is correct.

Shinto Connection

Think of the word in terms of Shintoism. It's the feeling you have at a powerful shrine in the middle of a forest.

Tone Matters

Lower your voice slightly and speak clearly when using this word to match its gravitas.

Learn the Pair

Learn 'ikei no nen o idaku' alongside 'ikei suru'. You will see the noun version just as often.

The 20% Fear

Don't forget the 'i' (fear) part. It's what makes the respect feel 'heavy' and 'serious'.

Look for Documentaries

Watch NHK nature documentaries. You will hear this word used for the sea, the stars, and the mountains.

Keifuku vs Ikei

Use 'keifuku' for someone's talent, and 'ikei' for someone's whole being or existence.

The 'I-King' Mnemonic

Remember: 'I' revere the 'King' (I-King/I-kei).

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'I' (me) and 'K' (King). I am small, the King is big. I feel 'I-kei' (I-King) when I see something grand. Or, imagine standing at the edge of a 'K'anyon (Canyon) and saying 'I' am in awe.

Visual Association

Imagine a tiny person standing at the base of a massive, glowing mountain that reaches the stars. The person isn't running away; they are bowing.

Word Web

God Nature Legend Sublime Awe Humble Sacred Grandeur

Challenge

Try to find one thing today that you can 'ikei suru.' Is it the complexity of your computer? The vastness of the sky? Write one sentence using 'ikei suru' for it.

Word Origin

The word is a Sino-Japanese compound (Kango) consisting of two kanji. 畏 (i) originally depicted a person wearing a mask or a ghost-like figure, representing something that causes one to shrink back in fear or awe. 敬 (kei) depicts a person standing straight and showing discipline or respect.

Original meaning: To fear and respect simultaneously; the attitude one takes before a god or an emperor.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using this for political leaders, as it can sound like you are supporting a cult of personality.

In English, 'awe' can be used casually ('That's awesome!'), but 'revere' is closer to the weight of 'ikei suru.' English speakers should avoid the casual 'awesome' nuance when using this word.

The 'Three Awe-inspiring Things' in the Analects of Confucius. Descriptions of Mount Fuji in 'One Hundred Views of Mount Fuji' by Hokusai. The relationship between humans and the Forest Spirit in 'Princess Mononoke'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Nature and Environment

大自然の驚異を畏敬する
山の神を畏敬する
宇宙の無限さを畏敬する
生命の神秘を畏敬する

Religion and Spirituality

神仏を畏敬する
聖地を畏敬する
経典を畏敬する
儀式で畏敬の念を示す

History and Legends

歴史上の英雄を畏敬する
先祖の魂を畏敬する
偉大な指導者を畏敬する
伝統の重みを畏敬する

Art and Music

巨匠の作品を畏敬する
完璧な演奏を畏敬する
美の極致を畏敬する
芸術的才能を畏敬する

Formal Speeches

多大なる功績を畏敬する
畏敬の念を捧げる
深く畏敬の意を表する
畏敬すべき存在として称える

Conversation Starters

"あなたが一番畏敬している歴史上の人物は誰ですか？ (Who is the historical figure you revere the most?)"

"大自然の中で、畏敬の念を抱いた瞬間はありますか？ (Is there a moment in great nature where you felt a sense of awe?)"

"現代人はもっと自然を畏敬すべきだと思いますか？ (Do you think modern people should revere nature more?)"

"宇宙の広さを考えると、畏敬するような気持ちになりませんか？ (When you think about the vastness of space, don't you feel a sense of awe?)"

"あなたが畏敬の念を禁じ得ない芸術作品は何ですか？ (What is a work of art that you cannot help but revere?)"

Journal Prompts

今日、あなたが畏敬の念を抱いたことについて詳しく書いてください。 (Write in detail about something you felt awe toward today.)

『尊敬』と『畏敬』の違いについて、自分の経験を交えて考察してください。 (Reflect on the difference between 'respect' and 'reverence' using your own experiences.)

もしあなたが神のような存在に出会ったら、どのような畏敬の念を示すと思いますか？ (If you met a god-like being, what kind of reverence do you think you would show?)

科学の進歩は、私たちの自然に対する畏敬の念を減らしてしまったでしょうか？ (Has scientific progress reduced our sense of awe toward nature?)

自分が将来、誰かに畏敬されるような人になるためには、何が必要だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary for you to become someone who is revered by others in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only if your boss is a world-renowned legend or a visionary who has changed history. For a regular boss, use 'sonkei suru' (respect) or 'keifuku suru' (admire). Using 'ikei suru' might sound like you are being sarcastic or that you are scared of them in a strange way.

'Uyamau' (敬う) is a native Japanese word that is warmer and often used for elders, ancestors, or gods in a traditional sense. 'Ikei suru' is more formal and academic, focusing on the 'awe' and the 'sublime' aspect of the object.

It is common in books, news, and documentaries, but you will rarely hear it in a grocery store or a casual conversation. It is a 'Level 1' formal word that every educated Japanese person knows and uses in the right context.

The kanji 畏 (i) has 9 strokes. It looks like a '田' (field) on top of a modified '衣' (clothing) or a person. Think of it as a person wearing a mask in a field, which is scary/awe-inspiring.

Yes, if the character is god-like or has legendary status. Fans often use it jokingly to show how much they 'worship' a character: 'Sono kyara o ikei shite iru' (I revere that character).

Yes, 'ikei suru' is generally positive. It implies that the 'fear' you feel is out of respect, not out of a desire to avoid harm. If it's negative fear, use 'ifu' or 'kyoufu'.

'Ikei no nen o idaku' (to hold a sense of awe) is a noun-based phrase that sounds more formal and emphasizes the internal feeling. 'Ikei suru' is the verb form that emphasizes the action of revering. Both are used in similar formal contexts.

Usually no, unless the car is a historic masterpiece of engineering that changed the world. Revering a common consumer object would sound very strange.

Since it's a suru-verb: 畏敬しない (ikei shinai - do not revere) or 畏敬しません (ikei shimasen - polite negative).

The noun '畏敬' refers to the concept of awe/reverence itself, while the verb '畏敬する' is the act of experiencing or expressing that feeling. They are conceptually identical.