respectful
respectful — 形容詞
1. feeling or expressing admiration for someone's abilities, character, or achievem
敬佩的
因對方能力或成就而心生敬佩
feeling or expressing admiration for someone's abilities, character, or achievements
The crowd was respectful of the artist and thanked her for her story.
全場觀眾對那位藝術家充滿敬佩，感謝她分享自己的故事。
respectful of [someone] for admiration
The students listened in respectful silence as the climber described reaching the summit.
當登山者描述攻頂的經歷時，學生們懷著敬佩之情安靜地聆聽。
Mathieu wrote a respectful letter to the professor, praising his years of research.
Mathieu 寫了一封充滿敬佩的信給教授，讚揚他多年的研究成果。
Chidi's respectful attitude towards the musicians made a strong impression on the band.
Chidi 對樂團成員的敬佩態度，給團員們留下了深刻的印象。
The audience gave a respectful round of applause when the poet finished reading.
詩人朗讀完畢後，觀眾報以敬佩的掌聲。
- admiring
more direct and personal; focuses on the feeling rather than the behaviour
- appreciative
emphasizes gratitude alongside admiration; often used for favours or contributions
- reverent
much stronger and more formal; implies deep awe, often in religious or solemn contexts
- disrespectful
showing a lack of admiration or regard for someone or something
文法句型
respectful of [someone/something]
respectful [noun]
用法筆記
Commonly takes the pattern 'respectful of + noun' when the object of admiration is specified (e.g. 'respectful of her courage'). When used attributively before a noun, the admiration is expressed through a specific behaviour such as silence, applause, or a letter.
常見錯誤
2. behaving in a polite way that shows you recognize another person's position, fee
恭敬的
出於禮貌而表現出對他人的敬重
behaving in a polite way that shows you recognize another person's position, feelings, or needs
Please remember to be respectful towards your grandparents when they visit.
請記得，祖父母來訪時要對他們恭敬有禮。
respectful towards [someone] for polite behaviour
Isabela always speaks in a respectful tone when addressing the school principal.
Isabela 跟校長說話時語氣總是恭敬有禮。
The children were taught to keep a respectful distance from the village elders.
大人教導孩子們對村裡的長者要保持恭敬的距離。
A respectful bow is part of the greeting custom in several Asian cultures.
恭敬地鞠躬是幾個亞洲文化中打招呼的習俗之一。
Ryan's respectful behaviour towards his hosts made a good impression on the family.
Ryan 對主人家表現出的恭敬態度，給這家人留下了好印象。
- polite
broader and more common; refers to general good manners rather than deference to status
- deferential
stronger and more formal; implies yielding to someone's authority or superior position
- courteous
formal and old-fashioned; emphasizes polished, considerate behaviour in social settings
- rude
behaving in an impolite or offensive way
- disrespectful
showing a lack of proper respect or consideration
文法句型
respectful towards [someone]
respectful to [someone]
respectful [noun]
用法筆記
Frequently constructed with 'towards' or 'to' to specify the person being shown politeness. The fixed phrase 'keep a respectful distance' means maintaining physical or social space as a sign of deference.
常見錯誤
3. showing that you understand something matters deeply to others and choosing not
尊重的
理解他人重視所在而不干預或不冒犯
showing that you understand something matters deeply to others and choosing not to interfere with or criticize it
Minh was respectful of his grandmother's tradition of lighting incense before every meal.
Minh 尊重奶奶每餐前先點香的傳統。
respectful of [beliefs/customs/traditions]
Saira asked respectful questions about the ceremony instead of making jokes.
Saira 對那場儀式提出了一些尊重的問題，而不是開玩笑。
The doctor was respectful of the patient's wish to keep her diagnosis private.
那位醫生尊重病人的意願，沒有將她的診斷結果告訴別人。
Yuna's family was respectful of her choice to study abroad instead of staying in Seoul.
Yuna 的家人尊重她選擇出國讀書、不留在家鄉的決定。
Being respectful of local customs helped the visitors feel welcome in the village.
尊重當地習俗讓那些訪客很快就在這個村落受到歡迎。
- considerate
broader; focuses on being mindful of others' feelings in general
- tolerant
emphasizes accepting differences or behaviours you may not personally approve of
- understanding
implies sympathy and awareness of someone's situation rather than restraint
- intrusive
invading someone's privacy or personal matters
- disrespectful
showing disregard for what others value or hold important
文法句型
respectful of [traditions/beliefs/privacy/choices]
用法筆記
This sense always takes the pattern 'respectful of + noun' where the noun is something others value: traditions, beliefs, privacy, decisions, or personal space. Unlike sense 1 (admiration) or sense 2 (politeness towards a person), sense 3 focuses on not overstepping or causing offence.