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.
To express an action performed with religious devotion or worship.
Adverb meaning 'devoutly' or 'piously', used for reverent religious actions.
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.
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.
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.
He prays reverently every day.
Adverb meaning 'piously' or 'devoutly', often used in religious contexts.
She read the Bible reverently.
The ceremony was conducted reverently.
Adverb meaning 'meekly' or 'with solemn obedience', often used when someone behaves reverently out of respect or fear.
The children listened reverently.