The Meaning of sonkei [尊敬] In Japanese

尊敬
そんけい
Romaji: sonkei N2

What does 尊敬 mean?

Translation and Meaning

respect, esteem, honor

Definition

尊敬 means a feeling of deep admiration and regard toward someone due to their qualities, achievements, or status, with a sense of deference; it also appears in the verb 尊敬する, meaning to respect or hold in high regard.

Type

Noun (suru-verb) (名詞, サ変動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • A noun meaning deep admiration and esteem for someone’s qualities, achievements, or position, often with deference.
  • With 尊敬する it forms a verb meaning to respect or revere someone or something.
  • Used in formal contexts and in discussions of social hierarchy or ethical admiration.

Etymology

尊敬 is a Sino-Japanese compound whose on’yomi readings are used in compounds; 尊 contributes the sense of value and dignity while 敬 conveys reverence and courtesy, combining to form a formal noun for respect.

Origin

Borrowed from Chinese; entered Japanese through classical Chinese literature, with usage expanding in official, religious, and educational contexts.

Composition

  • 尊: value, dignity; implies holding someone in high regard
  • 敬: reverence, courtesy; emphasizes deference
When combined, they express the concept of holding someone in high regard and treating them with deference.

Usage

Primarily used in formal and polite speech to describe respect toward people of higher status, authority, or toward virtuous ideals; common with 尊敬する to express the act of respecting, and with 尊敬すべき人 to denote someone deserving of respect.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine a crown (representing value and dignity) paired with a respectful bow; together the two kanji encode the idea of honoring and revering another person.

Variations

  • 敬意 keii — respect
  • 尊重 sonchou — esteem
  • 軽蔑 keibetsu — contempt

Example Phrases

  • 職場で 先輩へ 尊敬 の 気持ち を 伝えた。
    Shokuba de senpai e sonkei no kimochi o tsutaeta.
    At work, I expressed my respect to my senior.
    Lista:
    • 職場で (shokuba de) – at the workplace
    • 先輩へ (senpai e) – to my senior
    • 尊敬 (sonkei) – respect
    • の (no) – of
    • 気持ち (kimochi) – feeling
    • を (o) – object marker
    • 伝えた (tsutaeta) – expressed
    In this sentence, 「尊敬」 is used as a noun meaning ‘respect’ and is paired with の気持ち to express ‘the feeling of respect’.
尊敬