尊重
尊重 em 30 segundos
- 尊重 (sonchou) means to value and give weight to opinions, rights, or feelings.
- It is a formal suru-verb (尊重する) used in business, law, and serious personal talk.
- Unlike 尊敬 (admiration), 尊重 focuses on practical consideration and dignity.
- Commonly used with words like 'opinion', 'privacy', 'individuality', and 'human rights'.
The Japanese term 尊重 (そんちょう - sonchou) is a foundational concept in Japanese social ethics and interpersonal communication. At its core, it represents the act of acknowledging the value, dignity, and importance of another person's thoughts, rights, or existence. Unlike simple admiration, 尊重 implies a practical application of respect—taking someone's perspective into serious consideration when making decisions or interacting. This word is composed of two powerful kanji: 尊 (precious/noble) and 重 (heavy/important), literally suggesting that one treats the subject as something of 'heavy nobility' or 'significant value'.
- Etymological Breakdown
- The first character, 尊, depicts a wine vessel held by two hands, symbolizing an offering to a deity or a person of high rank. The second, 重, shows a person standing on the earth with a heavy burden, signifying weight or importance. Together, they create a semantic field of 'holding something in high regard'.
- Semantic Range
- It covers everything from respecting human rights (人権の尊重) to respecting a partner's hobbies (趣味の尊重). It is a versatile noun that frequently functions as a suru-verb (尊重する).
「お互いの意見を尊重することが、良い関係を築く鍵です。」 (Respecting each other's opinions is the key to building a good relationship.)
多様性を尊重する社会を目指すべきです。
- Usage in Law
- In the Japanese Constitution, the 'respect for individuals' (個人の尊重) is a fundamental principle under Article 13.
プライバシーの尊重は現代社会において不可欠です。
彼は私の意志を尊重してくれた。
- Cultural Weight
- In a high-context culture like Japan, 尊重 often involves 'reading the air' to ensure others' boundaries are not crossed.
伝統を尊重しつつ、新しい技術を取り入れる。
In summary, 尊重 is not just a feeling of 'liking' something; it is a formal and ethical commitment to treat something as significant. Whether in business, law, or personal life, it serves as the glue for social harmony (Wa).
Using 尊重 (sonchou) correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility and its specific collocational partners. It is primarily used in formal or semi-formal contexts, though it appears in daily conversation when discussing serious matters like feelings or decisions. The most common form is the suru-verb 尊重する.
1. Basic Verb Usage
To respect something, use the pattern: [Subject] は [Object] を 尊重する. This indicates that the subject values the object and will act accordingly.
- 親は子供の個性を尊重すべきだ。 (Parents should respect their children's individuality.)
- 政府は国民の権利を尊重しなければならない。 (The government must respect the rights of the citizens.)
2. Noun Usage with Particles
As a noun, it often pairs with particles like の or への. For example, 「〜への尊重」 (respect toward...) or 「〜の尊重」 (the respect of...).
- 異文化への尊重が足りない。 (There is a lack of respect toward different cultures.)
- 命の尊重。 (Respect for life.)
3. Common Collocations
Certain words are almost always paired with 尊重. Learning these will make your Japanese sound more natural:
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 意見を尊重する | Respect an opinion |
| 意志を尊重する | Respect someone's will/intent |
| プライバシーを尊重する | Respect privacy |
| 人権を尊重する | Respect human rights |
4. Formal Variations
In highly formal settings, such as business emails or legal documents, you might see 尊重いたす (humble) or ご尊重 (honorific prefix, though rare). However, the standard 尊重する is usually sufficient for most professional interactions.
Remember that 尊重 is an active word. If you say you 尊重 someone's opinion, it implies you won't just ignore it; you will let that opinion influence the outcome or at least allow it to exist without interference.
You will encounter 尊重 (sonchou) in various spheres of Japanese life, ranging from the evening news to workplace meetings. It is a 'high-value' word that signals maturity and ethical awareness.
1. In the News and Media
News anchors often use this word when reporting on international relations, legal rulings, or social movements. For example, when a court rules on a case involving individual liberties, the phrase 「個人の尊厳を尊重する」 (respecting individual dignity) is frequently used. It also appears in discussions about environmental protection (自然の尊重).
2. In the Workplace
In a Japanese office, 尊重 is used during brainstorming sessions or performance reviews. A manager might say, 「君の意見を尊重して、このプランで行こう」 (I'll respect your opinion and go with this plan). It is also a key term in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reports, where companies pledge to respect diversity and inclusion (多様性の尊重).
3. In Educational Settings
Schools in Japan emphasize 「他人の気持ちを尊重すること」 (respecting others' feelings) as a core part of moral education (道徳). You will see posters in classrooms encouraging students to respect each other's differences to prevent bullying.
4. In Legal and Political Discourse
The Japanese Constitution and various laws are filled with this term. It is the standard word for 'respect' in the context of 'Respect for the Constitution' (憲法尊重) or 'Respect for Human Rights'.
5. In Personal Relationships
While slightly formal, it is used between partners or friends when discussing boundaries. 「私のプライベートな時間を尊重してほしい」 (I want you to respect my private time) is a common way to express a need for space without being overly aggressive.
Observation: Listen for the 'son' sound—it's distinct and often carries a tone of gravity. When you hear 'sonchou', the speaker is usually making a serious point about values.
Even advanced learners sometimes stumble with 尊重 (sonchou) because of its proximity to other 'respect' related words. Here are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.
1. Confusing 尊重 (Sonchou) with 尊敬 (Sonkei)
This is the #1 mistake.
尊敬 (Sonkei) = Admiration. You feel this for a hero, a parent, or a great leader. It's an emotional 'looking up'.
尊重 (Sonchou) = Consideration/Valuing. You do this for a right, a law, or an opinion. It's a functional 'giving weight to'.
- ❌ 私は法律を尊敬しています。 (I admire the law - sounds weird)
- ✅ 私は法律を尊重しています。 (I respect/abide by the law)
- ❌ 私はイチロー選手を尊重しています。 (I value Ichiro's rights - sounds like you're his lawyer)
- ✅ 私はイチロー選手を尊敬しています。 (I admire/look up to Ichiro)
2. Using the Wrong Particle
Since 尊重 is a suru-verb, it must take を. Learners often mistakenly use に because they are thinking of the English 'respect to'.
- ❌ 彼の意見に尊重する。
- ✅ 彼の意見を尊重する。
3. Overusing it in Casual Situations
While not 'wrong', saying 尊重 in a very casual setting (like deciding where to eat lunch) can sound overly stiff. For minor things, use 「合わせる」 (awaseru - to go along with) or 「大事にする」 (daiji ni suru - to treasure/value).
4. Confusing with 尊ぶ (Tattobu/Toutobu)
尊ぶ is a more literary, almost religious or philosophical way of saying 'to value'. 尊重 is the standard modern term for social and professional contexts.
To avoid these mistakes, always ask yourself: 'Am I looking up to this person (Sonkei) or am I giving their rights/ideas weight (Sonchou)?'
Japanese has a rich vocabulary for 'respect' and 'valuing'. Understanding the subtle differences between 尊重 (sonchou) and its synonyms will elevate your fluency.
1. 尊敬 (そんけい - Sonkei)
As mentioned, this is 'admiration'. It is directed at people. You respect their character, achievements, or status. It is often used in the context of honorific language (尊敬語).
2. 重視 (じゅうし - Juushi)
This means 'to put importance on' or 'to prioritize'. While 尊重 has an ethical nuance (treating something with dignity), 重視 is more pragmatic. You might 重視 (prioritize) speed over quality in a project, but you 尊重 (respect) your team's need for rest.
3. 敬意 (けいい - Keii)
This is the noun for 'respectful feeling' or 'homage'. It is often used with the verbs 払う (harau - to pay) or 表す (arawasu - to express).
Example: 「彼に敬意を払う」 (To pay respect to him).
4. 尊ぶ (とうとぶ - Toutobu)
A more formal, often written word meaning 'to value' or 'to revere'. It is used for abstract concepts like 'peace' or 'tradition' in a philosophical sense. 「和を尊ぶ」 (To value harmony) is a classic Japanese phrase.
5. 考慮 (こうりょ - Kouryo)
This means 'consideration'. It is more neutral than 尊重. If you 考慮 an opinion, you think about it. If you 尊重 an opinion, you give it actual weight and value in your final decision.
6. 遵守 (じゅんしゅ - Junshu)
Specifically used for 'compliance' with laws or rules. While you 尊重 (respect) the spirit of the law, you 遵守 (comply with/obey) the specific regulations.
By choosing the right word, you signal exactly what kind of 'respect' you are talking about—whether it's emotional admiration, ethical valuing, or pragmatic prioritization.
How Formal Is It?
Nível de dificuldade
Gramática essencial
〜を尊重する (Verb usage)
〜の尊重 (Noun usage)
〜を尊重しつつ (Simultaneous action)
〜を尊重すべき (Obligation)
〜を尊重して (Te-form for reason/manner)
Exemplos por nível
友達の意見を尊重します。
I respect my friend's opinion.
Object + を + 尊重します
ルールを尊重しましょう。
Let's respect the rules.
尊重 + ましょう (Let's)
先生は私の考えを尊重してくれました。
The teacher respected my idea.
〜てくれました (Did for me)
お互いを尊重することが大切です。
It is important to respect each other.
尊重すること (The act of respecting)
彼の趣味を尊重します。
I respect his hobby.
Simple noun + を + 尊重
家族の時間を尊重したいです。
I want to respect family time.
〜たい (Want to)
あなたのプライバシーを尊重します。
I respect your privacy.
Katakana + を + 尊重
みんなの気持ちを尊重してください。
Please respect everyone's feelings.
〜てください (Please do)
異文化を尊重することは、海外旅行で大切です。
Respecting different cultures is important when traveling abroad.
Gerund form (koto) as subject
彼はいつも私の意志を尊重してくれます。
He always respects my will/wishes.
Adverb 'itsumo' + te-form
この会社は社員の個性を尊重しています。
This company respects the individuality of its employees.
Present continuous (te-iru)
相手の立場を尊重して話し合いましょう。
Let's discuss while respecting the other person's position.
te-form used as 'while/by'
子供のプライバシーも尊重されるべきだ。
Children's privacy should also be respected.
Passive (sareru) + beki (should)
伝統的な文化を尊重し、守っていきたい。
I want to respect and protect traditional culture.
Compound verb structure
民主主義では、少数派の意見も尊重されます。
In a democracy, minority opinions are also respected.
Passive voice in formal context
お互いのプライベートを尊重し合う関係が理想です。
A relationship where we respect each other's private lives is ideal.
〜合う (mutual action)
多様性を尊重する社会を築くことが私たちの目標です。
Building a society that respects diversity is our goal.
Attributive clause modifying 'shakai'
プロジェクトを進める上で、各メンバーの専門性を尊重することが不可欠だ。
In moving the project forward, it's essential to respect each member's expertise.
〜上で (In the process of)
彼の決断は尊重に値するものです。
His decision is worthy of respect.
〜に値する (Worthy of)
親の意見も大切だが、最終的には自分の直感を尊重したい。
Parents' opinions are important, but ultimately I want to respect my own intuition.
Contrastive 'ga' + 'saishuteki ni'
人権を尊重しない行為は、決して許されません。
Acts that do not respect human rights are never permitted.
Negative attributive clause
契約の内容を尊重し、誠実に対応いたします。
We will respect the contents of the contract and respond with sincerity.
Humble language (itashimasu)
彼は他人のプライバシーを尊重するあまり、自分から質問をしない。
He respects others' privacy so much that he doesn't ask questions.
〜あまり (So much that...)
学問の自由を尊重することは、大学の基本原則です。
Respecting academic freedom is a fundamental principle of universities.
Formal noun phrase
法治国家においては、法の支配が尊重されなければならない。
In a constitutional state, the rule of law must be respected.
〜においては (In the context of)
患者の自己決定権を尊重することは、現代医療の重要な課題である。
Respecting a patient's right to self-determination is an important issue in modern medicine.
Medical ethics terminology
異論を尊重する姿勢が、組織の成長には欠かせない。
An attitude of respecting dissenting opinions is indispensable for organizational growth.
Noun + 姿勢 (Attitude)
彼は伝統を尊重しつつも、常に新しい手法を模索している。
While respecting tradition, he is always searching for new methods.
〜しつつも (While doing X, also Y)
プライバシーの尊重と情報の公開は、しばしば対立する概念だ。
Respect for privacy and disclosure of information are often conflicting concepts.
Abstract conceptual comparison
国際連合は、すべての加盟国の主権を尊重することを誓っている。
The United Nations pledges to respect the sovereignty of all member states.
Diplomatic language
個人の尊厳を尊重するという憲法の理念を忘れてはならない。
We must not forget the constitutional ideal of respecting individual dignity.
〜という (The idea that...)
相手の沈黙を尊重することも、コミュニケーションの一つの形だ。
Respecting the other person's silence is also a form of communication.
Philosophical observation
多文化共生社会の実現には、相互の文化的背景を深く尊重することが求められる。
Realizing a multicultural society requires deep respect for each other's cultural backgrounds.
Passive 'motomerareru' (is required)
著作者の権利を尊重することは、創造的な活動を維持するために不可欠である。
Respecting the rights of authors is essential for maintaining creative activities.
Intellectual property context
彼は、部下の自主性を尊重するあまり、適切な指導を怠ってしまった。
He respected his subordinates' autonomy so much that he neglected to provide proper guidance.
Cause and effect with 'amari'
判決は、原告の訴えを一部尊重する形となった。
The ruling took the form of partially respecting the plaintiff's claim.
Legal phrasing '〜形となった'
自然界の摂理を尊重し、持続可能な開発を目指すべきだ。
We should respect the providence of nature and aim for sustainable development.
Environmental philosophy
個人の価値観が多様化する中で、他者の選択を尊重する寛容さが問われている。
As individual values diversify, the tolerance to respect others' choices is being tested.
〜中で (In the midst of)
条約の精神を尊重し、両国は平和的な解決を模索することで合意した。
Respecting the spirit of the treaty, both countries agreed to seek a peaceful resolution.
Diplomatic 'spirit of the treaty'
古典の解釈において、先人の知恵を尊重しつつ、現代的な視点を加味する。
In interpreting the classics, we respect the wisdom of our predecessors while adding a modern perspective.
Academic methodology
法の支配の根幹には、個人の尊厳に対する普遍的な尊重が存在しなければならない。
At the root of the rule of law, there must exist a universal respect for individual dignity.
Abstract philosophical subject
グローバル資本主義の進展は、時に地域固有の文化への尊重を疎かにする傾向がある。
The progress of global capitalism sometimes tends to neglect respect for region-specific cultures.
Sociopolitical critique
憲法第13条が謳う「個人の尊重」は、日本国憲法の最高価値の一つである。
The 'respect for individuals' proclaimed in Article 13 is one of the highest values of the Japanese Constitution.
Constitutional law reference
学問的誠実さは、先行研究への適切な尊重と引用から始まる。
Academic integrity begins with proper respect and citation of previous research.
Academic ethics
民主的プロセスの尊重は、単なる手続きの遵守にとどまらず、対話の精神を内包する。
Respect for democratic processes is not limited to mere compliance with procedures but encompasses the spirit of dialogue.
Complex logical structure
生命倫理の議論において、胎児の生命への尊重と母体の自己決定権の相克は避けられない。
In bioethical debates, the conflict between respect for the life of the fetus and the mother's right to self-determination is unavoidable.
Advanced ethical terminology
歴史の真実を尊重することは、過去の過ちを繰り返さないための第一歩である。
Respecting historical truth is the first step toward not repeating past mistakes.
Historical consciousness
言語の多様性を尊重することは、人類の知的遺産を守ることに他ならない。
Respecting linguistic diversity is nothing other than protecting the intellectual heritage of humanity.
〜に他ならない (Is nothing but)
Colocações comuns
Frases Comuns
Frequentemente confundido com
Sonkei is emotional admiration for a person; Sonchou is ethical valuing of an idea/right.
Juushi is pragmatic prioritization; Sonchou is ethical/moral valuing.
Junshu is strict compliance with rules; Sonchou is respecting the spirit/value of something.
Expressões idiomáticas
Fácil de confundir
Padrões de frases
Família de palavras
Relacionado
Como usar
Neutral.
尊重 implies a practical application of respect.
Medium to High.
- Using 尊重 with に instead of を.
- Using 尊重 to mean 'I like this person'.
- Using 尊重 for trivial things like 'I respect your choice of soda'.
- Confusing the reading 'sonchou' with 'sonkei'.
- Writing the kanji 尊 incorrectly (forgetting the bottom part).
Dicas
Business Context
Use it when acknowledging a client's request even if you can't fulfill it exactly.
The 'Wa' Principle
Respecting others' space is a key part of being 'reigi tadashii' (polite) in Japan.
Passive Form
Use 'sonchou sareru' to describe the feeling of being valued by your peers.
Softening Disagreement
Use 'Iken wa sonchou shimasu ga...' to disagree without being rude.
Kanji Practice
Pay attention to the 'sun' radical in 尊 and the 'sato' radical in 重.
News Keywords
Listen for this word in reports about the Supreme Court (Saikou Saibansho).
Heavy Value
Remember the 'heavy' (重) kanji to recall that you are giving 'weight' to something.
Collocation Mastery
Memorize 'Iken wo sonchou suru' as a single block.
Politeness
In very formal settings, use 'sonchou moushiagemasu' for 'I offer my respect'.
Human Rights
This is the standard word for 'respect' in human rights discussions.
Memorize
Origem da palavra
Contexto cultural
尊重 is a tool for conflict avoidance.
Used to acknowledge subordinates' input.
Crucial in Article 13 of the Constitution.
Pratique na vida real
Contextos reais
Iniciadores de conversa
"あなたの意見を尊重したいのですが、詳しく教えてくれますか?"
"お互いのプライバシーを尊重するために、どうすればいいと思いますか?"
"このプロジェクトでは、何を一番尊重すべきだと思いますか?"
"日本の文化で、特に尊重されていることは何ですか?"
"子供の自主性を尊重するのは難しいことでしょうか?"
Temas para diário
今日、誰かの意見を尊重した経験について書いてください。
あなたが人生で最も尊重している価値観は何ですか?
「尊重」と「尊敬」の違いについて、自分の言葉で説明してください。
社会がもっと多様性を尊重するためには、何が必要だと思いますか?
自分のプライバシーが尊重されていないと感じたことはありますか?
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, but usually for their 'opinions' or 'decisions', not for them as people. For them as people, use 尊敬.
It is formal, but used in daily life for serious topics like privacy or feelings.
大事にする is more casual and emotional; 尊重 is more formal and ethical.
No, that sounds very strange. You might respect the cat's 'life' (inochi no sonchou), but for the cat itself, use 'kawaiigaru' or 'taisetsu ni suru'.
Yes, it is very common and professional.
相互尊重 (sougo sonchou) or 尊重し合う (sonchou shiau).
Not necessarily. You can respect (尊重) an opinion even if you disagree with it.
軽視 (keishi - to look down on/neglect) or 無視 (mushi - ignore).
Yes, like 'tradition', 'culture', or 'nature'.
Yes, it typically appears at the N3 or N2 level.
Teste-se 79 perguntas
/ 79 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
尊重 is the essential Japanese word for 'valuing' something's importance. Use it when you want to show you are taking someone's perspective or rights seriously, especially in professional or ethical contexts.
- 尊重 (sonchou) means to value and give weight to opinions, rights, or feelings.
- It is a formal suru-verb (尊重する) used in business, law, and serious personal talk.
- Unlike 尊敬 (admiration), 尊重 focuses on practical consideration and dignity.
- Commonly used with words like 'opinion', 'privacy', 'individuality', and 'human rights'.
Business Context
Use it when acknowledging a client's request even if you can't fulfill it exactly.
The 'Wa' Principle
Respecting others' space is a key part of being 'reigi tadashii' (polite) in Japan.
Passive Form
Use 'sonchou sareru' to describe the feeling of being valued by your peers.
Softening Disagreement
Use 'Iken wa sonchou shimasu ga...' to disagree without being rude.
Exemplo
お互いの意見を尊重しましょう。