Translation guide
The English verb 'admire' covers a range of feelings from looking up to someone, to appreciating beauty or skill, to simply expressing that you like something. Japanese uses different words and patterns depending on what you admire and the nuance you want to convey.
Expressing admiration for a person's character, achievements, or qualities, often with a sense of respect or aspiration.
The most common and direct way to say you respect or look up to someone. It implies a deep respect for their character or achievements.
私は彼をとても尊敬しています。
I really admire him.
She is admired by many people.
Expresses a longing admiration, often mixed with a desire to be like that person or to have what they have. It's more emotional and aspirational than 尊敬.
私は子供の頃、宇宙飛行士に憧れていました。
When I was a child, I admired astronauts.
彼女の生き方に憧れている。
I admire her way of life.
A formal, somewhat literary term meaning to admire and respect deeply. Often used in writing or formal speeches.
彼の勇気には敬服します。
I admire his courage.
Expressing admiration for something's aesthetic appeal, craftsmanship, or excellence, without necessarily involving a person.
Used when you are impressed by someone's skill, effort, or a clever idea. It focuses on being impressed rather than deep respect.
彼の演奏に感心した。
I admired his performance.
そのアイデアには感心しました。
I admired that idea.
An adjective meaning 'splendid' or 'magnificent'. Often used as an exclamation to express admiration for something well done.
わあ、見事だね！
Wow, I admire that! (That's splendid!)
Means to appreciate art, music, or scenery. It implies a more contemplative, aesthetic admiration.
美術館で絵画を鑑賞した。
I admired the paintings at the museum.
Casually saying you admire something, often synonymous with 'I like it' or 'it's great'.
A versatile adjective meaning 'wonderful' or 'splendid'. It's a natural way to express admiration for almost anything.
そのドレス、素晴らしいね。
I admire that dress. (That dress is wonderful.)
彼の功績は素晴らしい。
His achievements are admirable.
A very casual way to say you like or admire something. Equivalent to 'nice' or 'cool'.
その靴、いいね。
I admire those shoes. (Nice shoes.)
Expressing that you think someone did the right thing or showed good judgment.
A pattern meaning 'I think ~ is admirable'. 立派 (りっぱ) means fine, admirable, or commendable.
彼の決断を立派だと思います。
I admire his decision.
彼女の行動は立派だった。
Her actions were admirable.
An adjective meaning 'great' or 'admirable', often used to praise someone's effort or moral action. Can sound patronizing if used to a superior.
The English verb 'admire' is often used lightly ('I admire your taste'), but direct translations like 賞賛する (しょうさんする) can sound overly formal or literary. In casual contexts, use simpler expressions like いいね or 素晴らしい.
尊敬 (そんけい) is respect for someone's character or achievements, often from a distance. 憧れ (あこがれ) includes a personal longing or desire to emulate. You can 尊敬 a great historical figure, but you might 憧れ a pop star whose lifestyle you wish you had.
彼女は山からの景色を素晴らしいと思った。
She admired the view from the mountain.
Or: 景色に見とれた (She was captivated by the view).
I admire that you study every day. (You're so good.)