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How to say 'Respect' in Japanese | 尊敬

Wondering how to say 'Respect' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Respect is 'Sonkei', written as 尊敬 in Japanese.'Respect' in hiragana is そんけい.

    word

    尊敬

    Meaning

    Respect

    Reading

    そんけい

    sonkei

    Kanji

    Respect, Revered Respect

    Explanation

    The Japanese verbal noun '尊敬 (そんけい)' means 'respect'. It is used to express a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something due to their abilities, qualities, or achievements. This term is often used in formal or polite contexts, such as when discussing elders, superiors, or individuals who have earned admiration. For example: I respect my teacher「私は先生を尊敬しています」(わたしはせんせいをそんけいしています). Respect is important in Japanese culture「尊敬は日本の文化で重要です」(そんけいはにほんのぶんかでじゅうようです). Note that '尊敬' can also be used as a verb in the form '尊敬する (そんけいする)', meaning 'to respect'.

    Part Of Speech

    verbal noun

    Kanji JLPT

    N2

    Kanji Grade

    6

    Frequency

    2217

    Composition

    kanji

    Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 尊敬

This word contains 2 kanji characters:

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Respect, Revered

  • kanji

    Meaning

    Respect

Words Related to 尊敬 Through the Kanji

These 2 Words contain the Kanji 尊 as well.

  • word

    尊重

    Meaning

    Respect

  • word

    Meaning

    Honorific

Words Related to 尊敬 Through the Kanji

These 2 Words contain the Kanji 敬 as well.

  • word

    敬語

    Meaning

    Honorifics

  • word

    敬う

    Meaning

    Respect

Learn the Word 尊敬

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What does 'Sonkei' (尊敬) mean?

'Sonkei' means 'Respect' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.