Translation guide
Expressing admiration in Japanese depends on what you admire and the situation. Common words include 尊敬 (respect for people), 感心 (being impressed by actions/attitudes), and 憧れ (longing admiration). Direct translations like 'I admire you' can sound awkward; choose the right nuance.
Expressing deep respect for a person, often someone senior or accomplished.
The most common word for respect/admiration towards people. Used for teachers, mentors, historical figures, etc.
私は彼をとても尊敬しています。
I really admire him.
彼女は尊敬する先生です。
She is a teacher I admire.
Stronger, more formal admiration. Often used in writing or speeches.
Reacting to something praiseworthy someone did, like a child's good behavior or a colleague's clever solution.
Admiration for someone's actions or attitude, often with a nuance of being impressed. Can sound slightly patronizing if used towards superiors.
彼の勇気に感心した。
I admired his courage.
子供の礼儀正しさに感心しました。
I was impressed by the child's politeness.
Casual way to say you think someone/something is amazing. Very common in conversation.
彼の絵、すごいと思う。
I think his paintings are amazing.
Formal praise/admiration, often used in official contexts or media.
Admiring someone or something you wish to be like or have, often with a sense of longing.
Admiration mixed with longing, like looking up to a role model or dreaming of a lifestyle. Often used with の or する.
彼女は私の憧れの人です。
She is the person I admire.
都会の生活に憧れている。
I admire (and long for) city life.
Verb form: to admire/long for. Commonly used for people, lifestyles, or professions.
子供の頃、パイロットに憧れていました。
When I was a child, I admired pilots.
Expressing aesthetic admiration, like for a beautiful view or artwork.
Admiration/wonder at something beautiful or impressive. Often used in phrases like 感嘆の声 (cries of admiration).
その絵に感嘆の声をあげた。
They expressed admiration for the painting.
To be moved/touched by beauty. More emotional than just admiration.
夕日の美しさに感動した。
I was moved by the beauty of the sunset.
尊敬 is deep respect for someone's character/achievements. 憧れ is longing admiration, often for someone you wish to be like. 感心 is being impressed by a specific action or attitude. Using the wrong one can change the nuance significantly.
Saying '私はあなたを尊敬しています' can sound stiff or overly formal in casual conversation. Often, it's more natural to express admiration indirectly or use specific phrases like 'すごいですね' (That's amazing).
彼女の献身にはいつも感心しています。
I've always admired her dedication.
彼は私がとても尊敬している作家です。
He is a writer I greatly admire.
彼の努力には敬服します。
I admire his efforts.
彼の功績は広く称賛された。
His achievements were widely admired.