Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Respect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "respect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
敬意
けいい (keii)
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 敬意 and おもんじる.
In Japanese, 敬意 (けいい (keii)) is typically associated with "respect; honor; homage" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to feelings of respect, honor, or homage shown toward someone. Often used with 敬意を表する.
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 "敬意"
素晴らしい業績を残した先輩に、心からの敬意を表します。
I express my heartfelt respect to the senior who left outstanding achievements.
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: "素晴らしい業績を残した先輩に、心からの ＿＿＿ を表します。" (Meaning: "I express my heartfelt respect to the senior who left outstanding achievements.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "敬意" fits here because it means "respect; honor; homage" in the context of: "I express my heartfelt respect to the senior who left outstanding achievements.". "おもんじる" represents "to respect, to esteem, to value, to attach importance to".