崇める

• Reading: あがめる
• Romaji: agameru
• Kanji breakdown: 崇 (sū/aga) — revere, worship, adore
• Pronunciation: /a.ɡa.me.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To revere; to respect; to worship. Used when showing deep reverence toward a deity, leader, or sacred entity.

A Group 2 (ichidan) transitive verb expressing profound reverence or worship. Stronger than 尊敬する, it implies an almost religious level of devotion. Used for deities, nature, historical figures, or anyone elevated to an exalted status.

Examples

1. 村人たちはその山を神として崇めていた。 The villagers worshipped that mountain as a god.
2. 彼は多くのファンに崇められている存在だ。 He is someone who is revered by many fans.
3. 古代の人々は太陽を崇めて祈りを捧げた。 Ancient people worshipped the sun and offered prayers.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, history, literature

Tone: solemn

Origin & History

Derived from the kanji 崇, which combines 山 (mountain) and 宗 (religion, sect). Mountains were sacred in ancient Japan, and the character encapsulates the idea of looking up at something towering and holy.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal