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.
私は彼をとても尊敬しています。
I hold him in high esteem.
彼女は多くの人から尊敬されている。
She is esteemed by many people.
Literally 'to pay respect', used for showing esteem through actions or attitude, often in formal contexts.
彼の功績に敬意を払います。
I pay my respects to his achievements.
Emphasizes valuing someone's opinions, rights, or existence. Often used for mutual respect.
お互いを尊重することが大切です。
It's important to esteem each other.
Referring to one's own sense of self-worth or self-respect.
The standard term for self-esteem or self-respect. Often used in psychological contexts.
自尊心を高める方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to boost self-esteem.
彼は自尊心が低い。
He has low self-esteem.
Used in formal expressions of esteem, such as in letters or speeches.
A formal phrase meaning 'to express one's esteem/respect'. Common in written correspondence or official statements.
心より敬意を表します。
I express my heartfelt esteem.
A feeling of awe and deep respect, often for something grand or sublime. More literary.
自然の美しさに畏敬の念を抱いた。
I felt esteem (awe) for the beauty of nature.
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.
A more modern term for self-esteem, focusing on self-acceptance and positive self-regard. Common in self-help contexts.
自己肯定感を育むことが重要です。
It's important to nurture self-esteem.