尊贵

• Pinyin: zūn guì
• Hanzi breakdown: 尊 = 酉 + 寸 (wine vessel + inch — to honour with ritual); 贵 = 中 + 贝 (middle + shell/currency — precious/noble)

Meaning

Honourable; distinguished; exalted. Describes a person or status of high dignity and social standing deserving of great respect.

A formal, elevated adjective used in ceremonial, diplomatic, and service contexts to convey deep respect. Frequently used to address dignitaries, VIP guests, or to describe noble status. Common in hotel hospitality, official ceremonies, and formal speeches.

Examples

1. 酒店前台以最诚挚的礼仪迎接每一位尊贵的宾客，力求让他们感受到宾至如归的温暖。 The hotel front desk welcomes every distinguished guest with the most sincere courtesy, striving to make them feel the warmth of being at home.
2. 在这场国宴上，政府代表以极为正式的礼仪欢迎到访的各国尊贵使节，彰显了大国风范。 At this state banquet, government representatives welcomed the distinguished envoys from various countries with extremely formal ceremony, displaying the bearing of a major power.
3. 她出身于一个历史悠久的尊贵家族，自幼接受严格的礼仪教育，举止端庄优雅。 She came from a distinguished family with a long history and received strict etiquette training from an early age, so her manner was dignified and elegant.

Usage Guide

Context: diplomacy, hospitality, ceremonies, social hierarchy

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 请允许我代表全体员工，向莅临指导的尊贵嘉宾表示最热烈的欢迎和最诚挚的感谢。(Please allow me, on behalf of all staff, to extend the warmest welcome and most sincere gratitude to our distinguished guests who have come to offer guidance.)
• 这套餐具采用纯银铸造，专为接待尊贵宾客而设计，工艺精湛，极具收藏价值。(This set of tableware is cast in sterling silver, designed specifically for receiving distinguished guests; the craftsmanship is exquisite and it has exceptional collectible value.)

Don't Say

• 我朋友很尊贵 — 尊贵 sounds overly formal for describing a personal friend; use 很了不起 or 很优秀 in casual contexts

Origin & History

尊 (to respect/honour) + 贵 (precious/noble/high-status)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Elite/Universal