Definition

Verb: To hold someone in high esteem and deference; to feel and show profound respect and admiration for someone, often due to their qualities, achievements, or status. It combines deep respect ("kính") with a sense of awe or deference ("nể").

Usage

This verb is used to describe a feeling of deep respect mixed with admiration and deference. It is typically directed towards a person (or a group of people) who commands respect due to their character, wisdom, age, position, or accomplishments. It implies a respectful attitude that influences one's behavior.

Examples

• Mọi người đều kính nể ông ấy vì sự chính trực và kinh nghiệm sống của ông. (Everyone holds him in high esteem for his integrity and life experience.)
• Cô ấy được kính nể trong giới học thuật nhờ những công trình nghiên cứu đột phá. (She is highly respected in academic circles thanks to her groundbreaking research.)
• Anh ấy dành sự kính nể sâu sắc cho những người thầy đã dạy dỗ mình. (He has deep respect and admiration for the teachers who educated him.)

Advanced Usage

• Tỏ lòng kính nể: To express one's profound respect and deference.
  • Anh ấy cúi chào để tỏ lòng kính nể vị lão thành. (He bowed to express his deep respect for the elder.)
• Đáng kính nể: Deserving of respect and admiration (often used to describe qualities or achievements).
  • Thành tựu của đội bóng thật đáng kính nể. (The football team's achievement is truly admirable/commanding of respect.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kính trọng (Verb): To respect, to hold in esteem. This is a close synonym but may lack the nuanced layer of "awe" or "deference" present in "kính nể".
• Nể phục (Verb): To admire and hold in high regard, often due to ability or success. It emphasizes admiration ("phục") more than the ceremonial respect ("kính").
• Ngưỡng mộ (Verb): To admire, to look up to. It focuses more on admiration and inspiration.

Synonyms

• Respect highly: Tôn trọng ở mức độ cao.
• Hold in high esteem: Đánh giá rất cao.
• Revere: Tôn kính (often with a more solemn or religious connotation).
• Admire and respect: Ngưỡng mộ và tôn trọng.

Related Idioms

• Kính trên nhường dưới: To respect those above and yield to those below; a principle of showing respect to elders/superiors and being considerate to juniors/subordinates. This idiom embodies the social behavior stemming from "kính nể".
  • Gia đình anh ấy luôn giữ phép kính trên nhường dưới. (His family always observes the principle of respecting elders and yielding to juniors.)

1. Feel respect and consideration for, to have regard for