Definitions

zūn (verb) to honor; to respect
zūn (adjective) honorable; respected
zūn (noun) ancient wine vessel

Etymology

Depicts a hand () offering a container of wine ().

About

The character "尊" finds its etymological foundation in the composite of "酋", denoting alcohol or wine, and "寸", symbolizing a hand, which together create an image of a hand offering a ritual wine vessel. This initial concrete reference to a ceremonial object used in ancestral rites and sacrifices provided the basis for its semantic development toward abstract concepts of respect and veneration, as the act of presenting such vessels was inherently tied to expressions of honor. Over time, the term expanded beyond its tangible origins to encompass notions of esteem and high status, evolving into an honorific used in addresses and compounds like "尊敬" for respect or "尊长" for elders, thereby tracing a path from material ritual artifact to a lexical marker of social deference and dignity.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

重老师是基本礼貌。

Zūnzhòng lǎoshī shì jīběn lǐmào.

Respecting teachers is basic courtesy.

我们敬所有辛勤的劳动者。

Wǒmen zūnjìng suǒyǒu xīnqín de láodòngzhě.

We respect all hardworking laborers.

请用称来称呼长辈。

Qǐng yòng zūnchēng lái chēnghu zhǎngbèi.

Please use honorifics to address elders.

他是一个老爱幼的人。

Tā shì yí gè zūnlǎoàiyòu de rén.

He is a person who respects the old and cherishes the young.

保持安静是对逝者的一种敬。

Bǎochí ānjìng shì duì shìzhě de yī zhǒng zūnjìng.

Keeping quiet is a form of respect for the deceased.

这位客人的身份非常贵。

Zhè wèi kèrén de shēnfèn fēicháng zūnguì.

This guest is of very noble status.

他誓死捍卫国家的严。

Tā shìsǐ hànwèi guójiā de zūnyán.

He vowed to defend the dignity of his country to the death.

在学术讨论中,我们应重事实,崇真理。

Zài xuéshù tǎolùn zhōng, wǒmen yīng zūnzhòng shìshí, zūnchóng zhēnlǐ.

In academic discussions, we should respect facts and revere truth.