Japanese Symbol for

尊敬

sonkei

respect · esteem · reverence

Readings

  • 尊 ONソンson
  • 尊 KUNたっと(い)・とうと(い)tattoi / tōtoi (precious, noble)
  • 敬 ONケイkei
  • 敬 KUNうやま(う)uyama-u (to respect, revere)

Meaning

Respect, esteem, reverence, honor. 尊敬 is the feeling of deep respect and admiration. Japan has an entire grammatical system — 敬語 (keigo, honorific speech) — built around expressing respect through language itself.

Example words

敬意

keii

respect, honor, reverence

敬語

keigo

honorific speech (Japanese grammar level)

礼儀

reigi

manners, courtesy, etiquette

尊重

sonchō

respect, regard, esteem

崇拝

sūhai

worship, adoration, reverence

自尊心

jisonshin

self-respect, self-esteem, pride

Respect is so fundamental to Japanese society that it's embedded in the grammar. 敬語 (keigo) — honorific speech — has three levels: 尊敬語 (sonkeigo, respectful language used about others), 謙譲語 (kenjōgo, humble language about oneself), and 丁寧語 (teineigo, polite neutral speech). Mastering keigo is essential for professional Japanese.

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