尊重
zyun¹ zung⁶
Respect in Cantonese can be expressed as 尊重 (zyun¹ zung⁶). Wiktionary also lists 尊敬 (zyun¹ ging³).
Meaning: admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 尊重 | zyun¹ zung⁶ |
| 尊敬 | zyun¹ ging³ |
The term is used to describe admiration for a person or entity because of perceived merit.
Which one should you use?
While both 尊重 and 尊敬 can mean respect, they are used in different contexts. 尊重 is the preferred term when talking about respecting abstract concepts like rights, laws or opinions, as well as treating people with dignity. In contrast, 尊敬 is used specifically for showing respect to people, often those of higher status or elders.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both 尊重 and 尊敬 can function as both a noun (respect) and a verb (to respect) depending on the sentence structure.
How do you pronounce it?
zyun¹ zung⁶
Did you know?
- The character 尊 in 尊重 originally referred to a 'wine vessel' used in ancestral sacrifices, implying that respect is something held in a sacred container.
- In Cantonese culture, respect for elders is often shown through the act of 斟茶, where you pour tea for others before yourself to show 尊敬.
- A common way to deflect a compliment and show humility, which is a form of 尊重, is to disagree with the praise instead of saying 'thank you'.
Examples in context
- 我一直都好尊重你。I've always treated you with respect.This sentence shows how to use 尊重 to describe treating a person with respect.Tatoeba #6127103 by nickyeow, translation #6095133 by mailohilohi
- 對唔住，我好尊重你嘅決定。Sorry, I respect your decision.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Meiling and Zijian are talking about their former teacher.
- 美玲 Mei Ling你對嗰位老師有冇尊重？nei5 deoi3 go2 wai2 lou5 si1 jau5 mou5 zyun1 zung1?Do you have respect for that teacher?
- 子健 Tsz Kin我有，佢係一個好正直嘅人。ngo5 jau5, keoi5 hai6 jat1 go3 hou2 zing1 zik1 ge3 jan4.I do, he is a very upright person.
- 美玲 Mei Ling我亦都好尊重佢嘅專業態度。ngo5 jik6 dou1 hou2 zyun1 zung1 keoi5 ge3 zyun1 jip6 taai3 dou6.I also have great respect for his professional attitude.
- 子健 Tsz Kin係，佢令到好多學生都崇拜佢。hai6, keoi5 ling6 dou3 hou2 do1 hok6 sang1 dou1 cung4 baai3 keoi5.Yes, he made many students admire him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “respect” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
