敬

• Pinyin: jìng
• Hanzi breakdown: 敬 = 苟 (careful) + 攴 (action) — to act with scrupulous care; the character for respectful conduct

Meaning

To respect; to revere; to offer a toast; to show deference.

A core Confucian value. As a verb, 敬 means to show deep respect through behaviour and attitude, or to offer something respectfully (a drink, a bow). It underpins many compound words related to respect (敬爱, 敬重, 敬意). In formal speech and toasting contexts, it marks the action as one of sincere honour.

Examples

1. 中国传统文化中，尊老敬祖是最基本的道德规范之一。 In traditional Chinese culture, respecting the elderly and venerating ancestors is one of the most fundamental moral norms.
2. 他举杯向在座的前辈敬了一杯，表达由衷的感谢。 He raised his glass and offered a respectful toast to the senior figures present, expressing sincere gratitude.
3. 对知识和劳动的敬与爱，是推动社会进步的重要力量。 Respect for knowledge and labour is an important force driving social progress.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, etiquette, toasting, Confucian values

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 我敬您一杯，感谢多年来的照顾。(Allow me to offer you a toast in gratitude for your care over the years.)
• 敬老爱幼是中华民族的传统美德。(Respecting the elderly and caring for the young is a traditional virtue of the Chinese nation.)

Don't Say

• 我敬了他一拳。(敬 must involve sincere respect — using it with a physical blow is deliberately ironic or sarcastic, which may confuse listeners)

Origin & History

A classical character: 攴 (action of striking/doing) + 苟 (careful, conscientious). Original meaning: to act carefully and conscientiously. The Confucian sense of reverence and respect developed from this root.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal