About
敬 is a phonosemantic compound, with 茍 (jì) providing the sound and 攵, a variant of 攴, representing a hand holding a tool to strike or enforce discipline. Early forms of 茍 depict an alert animal, suggesting vigilance. The original meaning was closely tied to extreme caution and vigilance, often in response to the threat of punishment or the strict discipline symbolized by the striking hand. This sense of careful attention to one's actions gradually gave way to deep respect, reverence, and honor toward elders, superiors, or the divine. Today, 敬 is widely used to express polite esteem, respectful behavior, and the formal act of offering a toast.
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Example Sentences Hide
我尊敬我的老师。
学生们向国旗敬礼。
他敬业的态度值得学习。
我们对逝者表示深切的敬意。
他恭敬地递上了自己的名片。
敬老爱幼是中华民族的传统美德。
我们对这个历史遗迹怀有敬畏之心。
在正式宴会上，敬酒的次序很有讲究。
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