钦佩

• Pinyin: qīn pèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 钦 = 金 + 欠 (metal + yawning — originally relating to imperial reverence; extended to deep admiration); 佩 = 亻+ 凡 + 巾 (a person wearing ornaments — to wear, to admire)

Meaning

To admire; to esteem deeply; to feel sincere respect and admiration for someone's qualities or achievements.

A formal expression of admiration, stronger and more elevated than 佩服 (to admire/be impressed by). Used in written language, formal speeches, and sincere personal praise. Often collocates with 由衷地 (sincerely/from the heart) and 深感 (deeply feel). Less sarcastic in potential than 佩服 when used in writing.

Examples

1. 我对她在逆境中坚持不懈的精神深感钦佩，那是一种难能可贵的品质。 I deeply admire her perseverance in the face of adversity; it’s a truly rare quality.
2. 前辈在专业领域几十年如一日的钻研精神，令年轻一代的研究者由衷钦佩。 The senior expert’s decades-long dedication to the field earns the young researchers’ genuine admiration.
3. 全场观众对这位钢琴家无懈可击的演奏技巧报以热烈掌声，表达了深深的钦佩。 The entire audience gave the pianist a warm round of applause for his flawless technique, expressing their deep admiration.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, literature, speeches

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 我由衷地钦佩她在极端困难的条件下仍能保持冷静、理性决策的能力，这正是一位优秀领导者最核心的素质之一。(I sincerely admire her ability to remain calm and make rational decisions even under extremely difficult conditions — this is precisely one of the most fundamental qualities of an outstanding leader.)
• 多国代表在发言中表达了对该团队历时十年完成这一科研突破的由衷钦佩，认为这一成就将对整个领域产生深远影响。(Representatives from multiple countries expressed in their speeches their sincere admiration for the team's achievement of this scientific breakthrough over ten years, considering it would have a profound impact on the entire field.)

Don't Say

• 我钦佩你做了这顿饭 — 钦佩 is for deep respect for character or significant achievement, not everyday tasks; for everyday appreciation say 你做的菜真好吃 (the food you made is delicious) or 谢谢你做饭 (thank you for cooking)

Origin & History

钦 (imperial/respectful — originally 'imperial command', extended to deep respect) + 佩 (to wear as an ornament — to admire and cherish)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal