Meaning and Usage
"重んずる" (おもんずる) is a formal and somewhat literary verb meaning "to honor," "to respect," or "to value." It is often used in written or formal spoken Japanese rather than casual conversation. The verb emphasizes giving importance or high regard to something or someone.
Common Contexts
This word frequently appears in contexts involving respect for traditions, rules, opinions, or abstract concepts like manners and dignity. It is common in business, academic, or formal social settings.
Collocations and Patterns
- 「伝統を重んずる」: to respect tradition
- 「意見を重んずる」: to value opinions
- 「礼儀を重んずる」: to honor manners
These collocations highlight the focus on valuing intangible or cultural elements.
Register and Nuance
"重んずる" carries a respectful and formal tone. It is less common in everyday casual speech, where simpler verbs like "尊敬する" (そんけいする) or "大切にする" might be preferred.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "重んずる" with the more common "重視する" (じゅうしする), which also means "to emphasize" or "to value." While similar, "重んずる" often has a nuance of respect or honor, whereas "重視する" is more neutral and used for practical importance. Use "重んずる" when you want to express respect or reverence.