尊重

• Reading: そんちょう
• Romaji: sonchou
• Kanji breakdown: 尊 (son) — precious, revered; 重 (chou) — heavy, important
• Pronunciation: /soɴ.tɕoː/

Meaning

Respect; esteem; regard. Treating something as important and worthy of consideration.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (尊重する). While 尊敬 is directed at people you admire, 尊重 is broader — you can 尊重する opinions, rights, cultures, and decisions. Common patterns: 意見を尊重する (to respect opinions), 人権を尊重する (to respect human rights), 多様性を尊重する (to respect diversity).

Examples

1. お互いの意見を尊重することが大切だ。 It's important to respect each other's opinions.
2. この会社は社員の個性を尊重している。 This company values the individuality of its employees.
3. 相手の文化を尊重する姿勢が必要だ。 An attitude of respecting the other person's culture is necessary.

Usage Guide

Context: education, business, social issues

Tone: principled

Origin & History

Compound of 尊 (son, precious/revered) and 重 (chou, heavy/important). Together, 'treating as precious and important' — giving weight to something's value.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal