Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Respect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "respect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
そんちょう
そんちょう (sonchou)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
おもんじる
おもんじる (omonjiru)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "respect" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between そんちょう and おもんじる.
In Japanese, そんちょう (そんちょう (sonchou)) is typically associated with "respect" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Can be a noun.
On the other hand, おもんじる (おもんじる (omonjiru)) maps to "to respect, to esteem, to value, to attach importance to" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents To hold something in high regard, to consider it important or valuable.. A literal translation of "respect" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "そんちょう"
相手の意見を尊重することが大切です。
It is important to respect others' opinions.
Bilingual Context for "おもんじる"
彼は友情をおもんじる人だ。
He is a person who values friendship.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "相手の意見を尊重することが大切です。" (Meaning: "It is important to respect others' opinions.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "そんちょう" fits here because it means "respect" in the context of: "It is important to respect others' opinions.". "おもんじる" represents "to respect, to esteem, to value, to attach importance to".