仰ぐ

• Reading: あおぐ
• Romaji: aogu
• Kanji breakdown: 仰 (gyō/ao) — look up, revere, respect
• Pronunciation: /a.o.ɡɯ/

Meaning

To look up at; to revere or respect; to ask for (guidance or instructions). A versatile verb covering both physical and metaphorical senses.

A Group 1 (godan) verb with three distinct uses: (1) physically looking upward, (2) showing reverence toward someone, and (3) seeking guidance or permission from a superior. The third sense is especially common in formal business and legal contexts, as in 指示を仰ぐ (to seek instructions).

Examples

1. 星空を仰いで、人生の意味をしばらく考え込んだ。 I gazed up at the starry sky and fell into deep thought about the meaning of life.
2. 多くの弟子たちが師を仰ぎ、その教えに従って生きた。 Many disciples revered their master and lived according to his teachings.
3. 重要な判断は上長の指示を仰いでから進めるようにしている。 For important decisions, I make it a habit to seek instructions from my superior before proceeding.

Usage Guide

Context: business, literature, daily life, religion

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

From Old Japanese. The character 仰 combines 人 (person) and 卬 (looking upward), capturing the posture of gazing above. The same character appears in 仰天 (astonishment) and 信仰 (faith).

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: General