敬 (jìng) - To respect & to honor

敬Tone 4

jìng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

敬 · jìng

To respect;

to honor;

to revere;

to offer politely;

also used in words related to reverence, salutation, and formal address.

To respectto honorto revere

Usage highlights

RespectToastSaluteReverencePolitely offerRespectful words

Synonyms

  • 尊— to honor, to revere
  • 崇— to esteem, to worship
  • 恭— respectful, reverent

Antonyms

  • 侮— to insult, to disrespect
  • 蔑— to disdain, to scorn

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We should respect our elders (尊敬长辈).
  • He offered a toast to the guests (向客人敬酒).
  • Please accept this small gift (请接受这份薄礼，聊表敬意).
  • The students salute the flag (学生们向国旗致敬).

Collocations

  • Respect(尊敬)
  • Toast(敬酒)
  • Salute(致敬)
  • Reverence(敬畏)
  • Politely offer(敬献)
  • Respectful words(敬语)

Idioms

  • To respect from a distance(敬而远之)
  • Respect the old and cherish the young(敬老慈幼)
  • To revere heaven and love the people(敬天爱民)
  • To be respectful and cautious(敬小慎微)
  • To work diligently and respectfully(敬业乐群)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Deeply rooted in Confucian values of filial piety and social hierarchy.
  • Central to traditional Chinese etiquette in social interactions and ceremonies.
  • Used in formal contexts to show deference, such as in toasts and salutations.

FAQ