Meanings of 恭敬
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Podcast: 恭敬
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AI Study Notes for 恭敬
尊敬 (zūn jìng) is often used in the context of honoring or venerating someone, while 恭敬 (gōng jìng) emphasizes respectful behavior and deference in interactions.
Be cautious not to confuse 恭敬 with similar terms like 尊敬 (zūn jìng), which also means respect but carries a slightly different nuance. It is generally used in formal situations and should be avoided in casual conversations.
As an HSK Level 6 word, 恭敬 connects to themes of respect and social hierarchy found in other Level 6 vocabulary. Focus on using this word in appropriate contexts, especially when discussing relationships or social etiquette.
Learners often mix up 恭敬 with other words like 敬意 (jìng yì), which means 'respect' but is more abstract. A mistake would be saying '我很恭敬你' (I am very respectful you) instead of '我对你很恭敬' (I am very respectful towards you).
Pronunciation of 恭敬
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Jason Explains 恭敬 to You
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Component Characters
How to say deferential in Chinese
“deferential” in Chinese is恭敬
恭敬 (gōng jìng) means being respectful and deferential towards others, often in formal or hierarchical contexts. It is commonly used when speaking about attitudes or behaviors that show regard for someone's status or feelings, such as when addressing elders or superiors.
When to use 恭敬
Be cautious not to confuse 恭敬 with similar terms like 尊敬 (zūn jìng), which also means respect but carries a slightly different nuance. It is generally used in formal situations and should be avoided in casual conversations.
恭敬 or something close to it
尊敬 (zūn jìng) is often used in the context of honoring or venerating someone, while 恭敬 (gōng jìng) emphasizes respectful behavior and deference in interactions.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mix up 恭敬 with other words like 敬意 (jìng yì), which means 'respect' but is more abstract. A mistake would be saying '我很恭敬你' (I am very respectful you) instead of '我对你很恭敬' (I am very respectful towards you).
Write 恭敬
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Grammar Patterns of 恭敬
恭敬 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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我们家的孩子对长辈总是恭____敬的。
The children in our family are always respectful to their elders.
Example Sentences for 恭敬 (3)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 恭敬
You can say: '我们应该对老师恭敬' (We should be respectful towards our teachers).
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