敬重

• Pinyin: jìng zhòng
• Hanzi breakdown: 敬 = reverence; 重 = 千 (thousand) + 里 (village) — heavy, weighty

Meaning

To deeply respect; to hold in high regard.

A sincere and solemn form of respect, typically earned through moral character, wisdom, experience, or accomplishment. Slightly more reserved and serious than 敬爱 (which also carries affection). Used for elders, leaders, scholars, and anyone whose conduct merits genuine respect. Can be used as both a verb and an adjective.

Examples

1. 他是一位令人敬重的学者，一生致力于推动中西文化交流。 He is a deeply respected scholar who devoted his life to promoting cultural exchange between China and the West.
2. 村民们对这位老村医十分敬重，每逢大事都会来征询他的意见。 The villagers held the old village doctor in great esteem and would come to seek his opinion on important matters.
3. 她在业界赢得了广泛的敬重，不是因为头衔，而是因为她的人品。 She has won widespread respect in the industry — not because of her title, but because of her character.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, formal praise, social values

Tone: sincere

Do Say

• 他是我最敬重的长辈之一。(He is one of the elders I respect most deeply.)
• 赢得下属的敬重，靠的是实力而非职位。(Earning the respect of subordinates depends on ability, not title.)

Don't Say

• 我敬重这个品牌。(敬重 is for people, not brands or companies — use 信赖 or 欣赏 for organisations)

Origin & History

敬 (to respect) + 重 (heavy, weighty; to regard as important). Together: to weigh someone heavily in your heart — to hold them in serious, genuine esteem.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal