Translation and Meaning of: 敬う - uyamau

If you've ever delved into studying Japanese, you know that some words carry enormous cultural weight. One of them is 敬う (うやまう), which means "to show respect" or "to honor." But is that all? In this article, we will explore in depth the etymology, everyday usage, and even the pictogram of this significant kanji. If you are looking for translation, origin, or practical examples to include in your Anki, you’ve come to the right place. Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, also offers ready-made sentences for you to practice this expression in your daily life.

Why is this word so important? Because it not only describes an action but also reflects one of the pillars of Japanese culture: hierarchical respect. From a young age, Japanese people learn to 敬う their elders, teachers, and even sacred objects. And it doesn't stop there—the kanji itself hides fascinating details that help to understand its true meaning. Let’s uncover all of this next.

The Origin and the Kanji of 敬う

The verb 敬う is formed by the kanji 敬 (kei), which by itself already means "respect" or "reverence." If you look closely at the character, you'll notice that it combines the radical 苟 (kō), which refers to "care" or "attention," with 攵 (bokuzukuri), a radical that indicates action. Together, they paint the picture of someone who acts with caution and consideration—exactly what it means to honor someone.

But the story doesn't end there. This kanji appears in words like 尊敬 (sonkei, "iration") and 敬意 (keii, "respect"), showing how it is rooted in concepts of social hierarchy. A curiosity? In ancient writing, the upper stroke of 敬 resembled a person bowing, reinforcing the idea of reverence. It's no wonder that even today, the Japanese use this verb for formal situations, such as ceremonies or when speaking of figures of authority.

How to Use 敬う in Daily Life

Unlike English, which uses "respect" as a generic term, Japanese employs 敬う in specific contexts. You wouldn't say this to a coworker at the same level—in that case, you would opt for 尊重する (sonchō suru). However, if you're talking about a martial arts master, an elderly person, or even a sacred place, like a temple, then うやまう is the perfect choice.

A classic example is the phrase 先祖を敬う (senzo o uyamau), which means "to honor the ancestors." Notice how it sounds more solemn? Another common use is in corporate speeches: 社長を敬う気持ち (shachō o uyamau kimochi, "the feeling of respecting the president"). A tip to memorize: associate the act of 敬う with situations where there is a clear relationship of superiority—whether due to age, position, or cultural significance.

Curiosities and Tips for Learning

Did you know that 敬う has a direct connection with the tea ceremony? During the ritual, each movement—picking up the bowl, turning it— is done to うやまう both the guests and the utensils. This philosophy of treating even objects with reverence shows how the concept goes beyond human interactions.

To solidify in your mind, try creating flashcards with images of situations that require 敬う: a student greeting a sensei, an employee bowing to their boss. The brain re better with visual associations. And if you want a useful pun, think of "UY! A Mao!"—as if you were surprised to see someone about to bow (even though the pronunciation isn't exact, the humor helps in memorization).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 敬う

• 敬う - base form
• 敬います - polite form
• 敬った - past form
• 敬っています - Progressive form
• 敬いましょう - Voluntary form

Synonyms and similar words

• 尊敬する (sonke suru) - to have a deep respect or iration for someone
• 敬意を表する (keii o hyōsuru) - express respect or consideration for someone
• 敬う (uyou) - valorization or honor, treating someone with respect