How to say "awe-inspiring" in Japanese

• 恐れ多いおそれおおい
  i-adjectiveThe awe here is humility: something so august or exalted that you feel you dare not treat it casually. Said of revered people or sacred things.
  そのオペラにはおそれ多おおくも皇太子こうたいし殿下でんかご夫妻ふさいが足あしを運はこばれた。↗

  The opera was graced with the august presence of the Crown Prince and Princess.
• 凛々りんりん
  taru-adjective, adverb (with と)Describes a stern, dignified bearing or presence that commands attention; the awe it evokes comes from the severity and intensity of a person's manner, not from reverence.
• 凛然りんぜん
  taru-adjective, adverb (with と)Describes a dignified, commanding bearing or attitude that inspires awe; used of a person's presence or stance, with a suggestion of stern, unbending dignity.
• 凛乎りんこ
  taru-adjective, adverb (with と)Essentially a synonym of 凛然: a dignified, commanding presence that inspires awe. Being less common, it is seldom the word you want; choose 凛然 for this sense.
• 凛々しいりりしい
  i-adjectiveCovers the gallant, imposing sense: a brave, manly appearance or bearing that draws admiration rather than overawing anyone; not the word for solemn or overwhelming awe.

Use 「恐れ多い」 for august people or things before which you feel humbled; 凛々, 凛然 and 凛乎 for a stern, commanding presence; and 「凛々しい」 for gallant, imposing bearing rather than genuine awe.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 恐れ多いおそれおおいawesome
• 凛々りんりんsevere
• 凛然りんぜんcommanding
• 凛乎りんこcommanding
• 凛々しいりりしいgallant