尊敬する

• Reading: そんけいする
• Romaji: sonkei suru
• Kanji breakdown: 尊 (son/tatto) — precious, revered; 敬 (kei/uyama) — respect, honour
• Pronunciation: /soŋ.keː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To respect; to admire; to look up to. Expresses deep respect for someone's character or achievements.

A Group 3 (irregular) する verb formed from the noun 尊敬 (respect). In Japanese grammar, 尊敬語 (sonkeigo) refers to honorific language used to show respect to others. The verb itself is used to express admiration for teachers, parents, leaders, and role models.

Examples

1. 私は父をとても尊敬しています。 I greatly respect my father.
2. 田中先生は学生みんなに尊敬されている。 Professor Tanaka is respected by all the students.
3. 尊敬する人のようになりたいと思います。 I want to become like the person I admire.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, school, culture

Tone: respectful

Origin & History

Compound of 尊 (son/tatto) meaning precious or revered and 敬 (kei/uyama) meaning respect or honour. Together they mean holding someone as precious and honourable — deep reverence.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal