Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Respect" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "respect", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
敬愛
けいあい (keiai)
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 敬愛 and おもんじる.
In Japanese, 敬愛 (けいあい (keiai)) is typically associated with "respect and affection; deep admiration and love; holding in high esteem" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to holding someone in high esteem with deep respect and affection.
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 "敬愛"
彼は生涯にわたり、自分の恩師を深く_______し、節目ごとに必ず挨拶に訪れていました。
Throughout his life, he held his mentor in deep respect and affection, always visiting to greet him at every milestone.
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: "彼は生涯にわたり、自分の恩師を深く_______し、節目ごとに必ず挨拶に訪れていました。" (Meaning: "Throughout his life, he held his mentor in deep respect and affection, always visiting to greet him at every milestone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "敬愛" fits here because it means "respect and affection; deep admiration and love; holding in high esteem" in the context of: "Throughout his life, he held his mentor in deep respect and affection, always visiting to greet him at every milestone.". "おもんじる" represents "to respect, to esteem, to value, to attach importance to".