noun
A somewhat formal or literary noun for deep respect or reverence. Often used in compounds or set phrases rather than in casual conversation.
彼は目上の人に対して敬の念を抱いている。
He holds a feeling of reverence toward his superiors.
「敬語」の敬は、相手を敬う気持ちを表す。
The 敬 in 敬語 expresses the feeling of respecting the other person.