Translation and Meaning of: 重んじる - omonjiru

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you may have come across the word 重んじる (おもんじる). It carries a deep meaning and is often used in formal and cultural contexts. In this article, we will explore what this expression represents, its origin, how it is used in daily life, and why it is so relevant for understanding certain aspects of Japanese society.

In addition to unveiling the meaning of 重んじる, we will cover its writing in kanji, practical usage examples, and even tips to memorize it more easily. If you are looking for a reliable dictionary to deepen your knowledge, Suki Nihongo is an excellent option to consult terms like this and many others.

Meaning and use of 重んじる

The word 重んじる (おもんじる) can be translated as "to value," "to respect," or "to give importance to something." It is used to express the idea of considering something or someone with high regard, whether for their intrinsic value, merit, or cultural significance. Unlike simply liking something, 重んじる implies a deeper and often more formal recognition.

In Japan, this term often appears in discussions about tradition, hierarchy, and ethics. For example, it is common to hear it in contexts such as companies that value the experience of older employees or in ceremonies that preserve ancestral rituals. Its usage reflects a mindset that prioritizes continuity and respect for established norms.

Origin and writing in kanji

The verb 重んじる is composed of the kanji 重 (which means "heavy" or "important") combined with the suffix んじる, which indicates action. This construction suggests the idea of "treating with weight," meaning to attribute seriousness to something. It is worth noting that it can also be written as 重んずる (おもんずる), a more archaic form that is still present in formal texts.

It is interesting to note that the character 重 appears in other words related to importance, such as 重要 (じゅうよう - "important") and 重視 (じゅうし - "emphasis"). This connection helps to understand why 重んじる carries a notion of priority and special consideration in its meaning.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fixate on 重んじる is to associate it with situations where something is treated with reverence. Think of tea ceremonies, where each gesture is carefully executed, or Japanese companies that maintain strict protocols. These examples illustrate well the spirit behind this word.

Another tip is to practice with simple phrases, such as "先祖を重んじる" (to value one's ancestors) or "規則を重んじる" (to respect the rules). Repeating these examples out loud helps to internalize not only the meaning but also the correct pronunciation. Over time, your usage will become more natural in your vocabulary.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 重んじる

• 重んじる - base form
• 重んじます - Polished form
• 重んじない - negative form
• 重んじた - past form
• 重んじています - Progressive form

Synonyms and similar words

• 尊重する (Sonchou suru) - Respect; to have regard for something or someone.
• 敬う (Uyayu) - Honor; to show deep respect, usually towards older or superior individuals.
• 大切にする (Taisetsu ni suru) - Valuing; caring for and giving importance to someone or something.
• 重きを置く (Omoki wo oku) - Emphasize; consider something of great importance.

重んじる

Romaji: omonjiru
Kana: おもんじる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to respect; honor; estimate; to value

Meaning in English: to respect;to honor;to esteem;to prize

Definition: Respect and value.

Example Sentences - (重んじる) omonjiru

See below some example sentences:

私たちは伝統を重んじる。

Watashitachi wa dentō o omonjiru

We value tradition.

We value tradition.

• 私たちは - 私たち
• 伝統を - "tradition" in Japanese, followed by the particle "wo" that indicates the direct object of the sentence
• 重んじる - "to value" or "to give importance" in Japanese, conjugated in the affirmative present.

私たちは伝統を重んずる。

Watashitachi wa dentō o omomurau

We value tradition.

We value tradition.

• 私たち - 私たち
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 伝統 - "tradition" in Japanese
• を - Direct Object Particle in Japanese
• 重んずる - "value" or "give importance" in Japanese
• .