Meaning and Usage
The verb '존경하다' means 'to respect' or 'to honor' someone. It is used to express admiration or high regard for a person, often someone older, a mentor, or someone with admirable qualities.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '존경하다' in formal or polite contexts, such as talking about parents, teachers, or public figures. It conveys a sincere and deep respect rather than casual liking.
Collocations and Patterns
- '존경하는 사람' (a person one respects): used to talk about someone admired.
- '존경심을 가지다' (to have respect): expressing the feeling of respect.
- '존경받다' (to be respected): passive form indicating someone is respected by others.
Usage Tips
When using '존경하다', it is common to mark the object with 을/를. Avoid confusing it with '사랑하다' (to love), as 존경하다 implies respect without necessarily implying affection.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes use 존경하다 too casually. Remember it is a strong word for respect and is usually reserved for people you truly admire or look up to.