敬礼
keirei[ke̞ːɾe̞ː]
The Japanese phrase for 'salute' is 敬礼 (keirei).
敬礼 is used to describe a formal salute, primarily in military or formal ceremonial contexts.
Meaning: make a gesture (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the kanji 敬 (respect) and 礼 (salute/etiquette), literally meaning 'respectful salute'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
keirei
Did you know?
- During the Imperial era, the 敬礼 was performed toward the Emperor as a sign of absolute devotion, a practice that fundamentally changed after 1945.
- In some traditional Japanese martial arts, the salute 礼 is performed while sitting in 'seiza' style on the floor, rather than standing.
- The kanji for 'etiquette' in 敬礼, which is 礼, is also the root for the word 'thank you' in many formal greetings.
Examples in context
- 彼は正しく敬礼した。Kare wa tadashiku keirei shita.He saluted correctly.
- 船長は部下に敬礼を命じた。Senchō wa buka ni keirei o meijita.The captain ordered the subordinates to salute.
- 儀式では全員が敬礼する。Gishiki de wa zen'in ga keirei suru.Everyone salutes during the ceremony.
Example conversation
Two students are practicing for a school martial arts demonstration.
- 陽葵 Himariもっと力強く敬礼して！Motto chikara tsuyoku keirei shite!Salute with more strength!
- 蓮 Renこうすればいいのかな？Kō sureba ii no kana?Is this how I should do it?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、蓮くんの敬礼はかっこいいよ。Un, Ren-kun no keirei wa kakkoii yo.Yes, your salute is cool, Ren.
- 蓮 Renありがとう、練習を続けるよ。Arigatō, renshū o tsuzukeru yo.Thanks, I will keep practicing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 敬礼, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
