尊い
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precious, valuable, noble, exalted, sacred
/toːto.i/
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A term meaning precious, valuable, or noble, and also used online to describe something overwhelmingly cute or emotionally moving.
Examples
彼の尊い精神は多くの人に感動を与える。
His noble spirit inspires many people.
王族の尊い血筋は歴史的に重要だ。
The royal noble lineage is historically important.
あの子猫の動画は本当に尊いね。
That kitten video is truly precious.
このイラストは尊いすぎて言葉がない。
This illustration is so adorable that I’m speechless.
彼女の笑顔を見ると尊い気持ちになる。
Seeing her smile makes me feel heart‑warming.
Similar words
癒し系
神聖な
貴重な
崇高な
萌える
感動的
かわいい
尊貴な
キュート
貴い
Meanings
Examples
この寺の建築は尊い美しさを持っている。
The temple’s architecture has a precious beauty.
彼の尊い精神は多くの人に感動を与える。
His noble spirit inspires many people.
古代の文書は尊い遺産とみなされる。
Ancient manuscripts are regarded as valuable heritage.
王族の尊い血筋は歴史的に重要だ。
The royal noble lineage is historically important.
この宝石は尊い価値がある。
This gemstone has priceless value.
Examples
あの子猫の動画は本当に尊いね。
That kitten video is truly precious.
彼女の笑顔を見ると尊い気持ちになる。
Seeing her smile makes me feel heart‑warming.
このイラストは尊いすぎて言葉がない。
This illustration is so adorable that I’m speechless.
尊い瞬間をシェアしよう！
Let’s share a precious moment!
あのシーンは本当に尊い。
That scene is really touching.
Similar words
かわいい
愛らしい
萌える
心温まる
感動的
キュート
癒し系
素敵
Etymology
From Classical Japanese 尊い (たっとい), derived from the noun 尊 ‘respect, honor’.
FAQ
What does 尊い mean in everyday Japanese?
It means precious, valuable, or noble, describing something worthy of respect.
It is pronounced tōtoi (とうとい).
Yes, it is an i‑adjective.
Plain form 尊い, past 尊かった, negative 尊くない, te‑form 尊くて, etc.
What is the difference between 尊い and 貴い?
尊い emphasizes respect and honor, while 貴い focuses on inherent worth or nobility.
How is 尊い used in internet slang?
It expresses that something is extremely cute, adorable, or emotionally moving.
Can 尊い be used for objects like gadgets?
Not usually; it is reserved for things with intrinsic value or strong emotional impact.
What are common mistakes when using 尊い?
Confusing it with similar adjectives, using it for trivial items, or applying the slang sense in formal writing.
What is the origin of the word 尊い?
It comes from Classical Japanese 尊い (たっとい), derived from the noun 尊 meaning ‘respect, honor’.
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