尊重

• Pinyin: zūn zhòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 尊 = 酋 (chief) + 寸 (inch) — to honor; 重 = pictograph of a heavy object — important

Meaning

To respect; respect. Showing admiration for someone's qualities, abilities, or achievements; treating someone with proper regard.

A fundamental concept in Chinese social relations and Confucian values. Used for respecting people, opinions, decisions, and rights. Key phrases include 相互尊重 (mutual respect) and 尊重人权 (respect human rights).

Examples

1. 我们应该尊重每个人的选择。 We should respect everyone's choices.
2. 老师深受学生们的尊重。 The teacher is deeply respected by the students.
3. 尊重他人是最基本的社交礼仪。 Respecting others is the most basic social etiquette.

Usage Guide

Context: social, ethics, everyday

Tone: earnest

Do Say

• 我尊重你的决定。(I respect your decision.)
• 请尊重他人的隐私。(Please respect others' privacy.)

Don't Say

• 说'我尊重这个食物'表示喜欢 (Don't use 尊重 for liking food — use 喜欢 or 爱吃; 尊重 is for people and their attributes)

Origin & History

尊 (to honor, revere) + 重 (heavy, important). Together they mean to hold in high regard.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal