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.
He bowed reverently.
Literally 'with a pious/devout attitude', used to describe reverent behavior, especially in religious contexts.
She prayed reverently.
Humble adverb meaning 'respectfully' or 'humbly', often used in formal expressions of gratitude or apology.
I reverently offer my condolences.
Literally 'as if worshipping', used to describe actions done with extreme reverence or adoration.
He gazed at the statue reverently.
To express an action performed with religious devotion or worship.
To describe an action done with solemnity and respect in ceremonial or traditional settings.
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.
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.
She read the Bible reverently.
The children listened reverently.