How to say "esteem" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 尊敬そんけいnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'esteem' in its most familiar sense: respecting or admiring a person for their character or achievements. Think of 'a person I esteem' — someone you look up to.あなたはだれからも尊敬されている。↗You're respected by everybody.
- 尊重そんちょうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'esteem' in the sense of 'regard': treating something such as an opinion, wish, or right as worthy of consideration, rather than admiring a person. It is about consideration, not admiration.
- 自尊じそんnounCovers 'esteem' only in the reflexive sense of self-esteem: one's own sense of worth. With 'self-importance' and 'pride' among its senses, it can carry a negative shade, and it never describes esteeming others.
- 尊ぶとうとぶgodan verb, transitive verbThe verb for 'to esteem' as 'to value or prize': holding a person, quality, or thing precious. Choose it when the feeling is close to treasuring or revering rather than merely considering important.
- 重んずるおもんずるichidan verb (-zuru), transitive verbA verb for 'to esteem' as 'to honor' or 'attach importance to': you esteem something by giving it weight, as when honoring principles or another's position. It stresses importance rather than affection or admiration.
Use 尊敬 for admiring a person, 尊重 for regarding opinions or wishes as important, 自尊 only for self-esteem, and the verbs 「尊ぶ」 or 「重んずる」 when you need 'to esteem' — 「尊ぶ」 for valuing, 「重んずる」 for honoring.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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