Translation guide
How to express doing something with deep respect, awe, or devotion in Japanese.
To describe an action done in a manner showing profound respect, often in religious, ceremonial, or highly formal contexts.
Adverb meaning 'respectfully' or 'reverently', used for actions showing deep respect, often in formal or traditional settings.
彼は恭しくお辞儀をした。
He bowed reverently.
Literally 'with a pious/devout attitude', used to describe reverent behavior, especially in religious contexts.
To express an action performed with religious devotion or worship.
Adverb meaning 'devoutly' or 'piously', used for reverent religious actions.
彼は信心深く毎日祈っている。
He prays reverently every day.
To describe an action done with solemnity and respect in ceremonial or traditional settings.
Adverb meaning 'solemnly' or 'with gravity', used for actions performed with dignified respect.
式典は厳かに執り行われた。
The ceremony was conducted reverently.
English 'reverently' is not always directly translated. In many situations, Japanese expresses reverence through humble language (kenjougo) or respectful language (sonkeigo) rather than a specific adverb.
先生のお話を伺いました。
I listened reverently to the teacher's talk.
Actions done reverently towards a superior or sacred object can be expressed by using humble verb forms (e.g., 申し上げる, 差し上げる, 拝見する) instead of an adverb.
彼女は敬虔な態度で祈った。
She prayed reverently.
Humble adverb meaning 'respectfully' or 'humbly', often used in formal expressions of gratitude or apology.
謹んでお悔やみ申し上げます。
I reverently offer my condolences.
Literally 'as if worshipping', used to describe actions done with extreme reverence or adoration.
彼はその像を崇めるように見つめた。
He gazed at the statue reverently.
Adverb meaning 'piously' or 'devoutly', often used in religious contexts.
彼女は敬虔に聖書を読んだ。
She read the Bible reverently.
Adverb meaning 'meekly' or 'with solemn obedience', often used when someone behaves reverently out of respect or fear.
子供たちは神妙に話を聞いていた。
The children listened reverently.