Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Respect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "respect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
敬う
うやまう (uyamau)
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 敬う and おもんじる.
In Japanese, 敬う (うやまう (uyamau)) is typically associated with "respect; honor; revere; show respect to elders/superiors" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to showing deep respect, honor, or reverence toward elders, teachers, ancestors, superiors, or gods. Often used as 敬われる.
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 "敬う"
年長者を_______ことは、多くの文化において道徳的な義務とされています。
Respecting elders is considered a moral duty in many cultures.
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: "年長者を_______ことは、多くの文化において道徳的な義務とされています。" (Meaning: "Respecting elders is considered a moral duty in many cultures.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "敬う" fits here because it means "respect; honor; revere; show respect to elders/superiors" in the context of: "Respecting elders is considered a moral duty in many cultures.". "おもんじる" represents "to respect, to esteem, to value, to attach importance to".