Translation guide
Esteem refers to respect, admiration, or high regard for someone or something. In Japanese, expressing esteem depends on whether you are talking about holding someone in high regard, self-esteem, or formal expressions of respect.
Expressing that you hold someone in high regard, respect them, or admire them.
The most common and direct translation for 'esteem' when referring to respect for someone, especially for their character, achievements, or position.
I hold him in high esteem.
She is esteemed by many people.
Literally 'to pay respect', used for showing esteem through actions or attitude, often in formal contexts.
I pay my respects to his achievements.
Emphasizes valuing someone's opinions, rights, or existence. Often used for mutual respect.
It's important to esteem each other.
Referring to one's own sense of self-worth or self-respect.
Used in formal expressions of esteem, such as in letters or speeches.
尊敬 (そんけい) is used for respecting someone's character, achievements, or status, often implying admiration. 尊重 (そんちょう) is about valuing someone's opinions, rights, or existence, and is often mutual. Use 尊敬 for 'look up to' and 尊重 for 'treat with respect'.
English often uses 'esteem' as a verb (e.g., 'I esteem him'). In Japanese, it's more natural to use phrases like 尊敬する or 敬意を払う rather than trying to find a single verb equivalent. Avoid literal translations like 評価する, which means 'evaluate' and lacks the nuance of respect.
彼は自尊心が低い。
He has low self-esteem.
A more modern term for self-esteem, focusing on self-acceptance and positive self-regard. Common in self-help contexts.
It's important to nurture self-esteem.
I felt esteem (awe) for the beauty of nature.