verb HSK 5
chóng jìng
to revere · to venerate · to hold in high esteem · reverence

Meaning

崇敬 describes a deep feeling of respect and admiration, often with a sense of looking up to someone or something. It conveys a stronger emotional tone than simple respect (尊敬), implying reverence or veneration typically reserved for highly respected figures, traditions, or ideals.

Usage

Commonly used in formal or literary contexts to express profound respect for elders, historical figures, teachers, or cultural traditions. It's less common in casual conversation than 尊敬. Often paired with objects like 英雄 (heroes), 先辈 (ancestors/predecessors), or 传统 (traditions).

Examples

  1. 01
    我们崇敬那些为国家做出巨大贡献的科学家。
    Wǒmen chóng jìng nàxiē wèi guójiā zuò chū jùdà gòngxiàn de kēxuéjiā.
    We revere those scientists who have made great contributions to our country.
  2. 02
    他对传统文化怀有深深的崇敬之情。
    duì chuántǒng wénhuà huái yǒu shēn shēn de chóng jìng zhī qíng.
    He holds profound reverence for traditional culture.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 崇敬之情
    chóng jìng zhī qíng
    feelings of reverence
  • 深感崇敬
    shēn gǎn chóng jìng
    to deeply revere
  • 值得崇敬
    zhí chóng jìng
    worthy of reverence

Antonyms

Origin

Both characters reinforce the concept of elevation and respect. 崇 originally depicted a mountain (山) above, suggesting height and loftiness, while 敬 contains the radical 攴 (strike/tap) suggesting careful, respectful action.

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