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恭敬 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
恭敬gōngjìngdeferentialHSK 7, a, rank #25509, Hard
恭敬gōngjìngrespectfulHSK 7, a, rank #25509, Hard
gōngjìng(gong1jing4) T1
  1. 1deferential
  2. 2respectful
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March 24, 2026
恭敬gōngjìng(gong1jing4)

恭敬 (gōng jìng) means being respectful and deferential towards others, often in formal or hierarchical contexts. It is commonly used when speaking about attitudes or behaviors that show regard for someone's status or feelings, such as when addressing elders or superiors.

Frequency#25509DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, showing respect through gestures, language, and behavior is crucial, especially towards elders and authority figures. The concept of 恭敬 is deeply ingrained in Confucian values, emphasizing harmony and respect in relationships.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'gong' that sounds whenever someone bows respectfully ('恭') to another. The sound of the gong signifies honor and reverence, linking the pronunciation 'gong' to respectfulness.

Meanings of 恭敬

gōngjìng(gong1jing4)
1deferential
2respectful
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 恭敬

恭敬Simplified
Strokes
Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#25509Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1

Podcast: 恭敬

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Podcast: 恭敬

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AI Study Notes for 恭敬

Quick Contrast

尊敬 (zūn jìng) is often used in the context of honoring or venerating someone, while 恭敬 (gōng jìng) emphasizes respectful behavior and deference in interactions.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'gong' that sounds whenever someone bows respectfully ('恭') to another. The sound of the gong signifies honor and reverence, linking the pronunciation 'gong' to respectfulness.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 恭敬 with similar terms like 尊敬 (zūn jìng), which also means respect but carries a slightly different nuance. It is generally used in formal situations and should be avoided in casual conversations.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 恭敬 connects to themes of respect and social hierarchy found in other Level 6 vocabulary. Focus on using this word in appropriate contexts, especially when discussing relationships or social etiquette.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, showing respect through gestures, language, and behavior is crucial, especially towards elders and authority figures. The concept of 恭敬 is deeply ingrained in Confucian values, emphasizing harmony and respect in relationships.

Common Mistakes

Learners often mix up 恭敬 with other words like 敬意 (jìng yì), which means 'respect' but is more abstract. A mistake would be saying '我很恭敬你' (I am very respectful you) instead of '我对你很恭敬' (I am very respectful towards you).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 恭敬

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Component Characters

gōngrespectful
10 strokes
View full entry
jìngto respect
HSK 712 strokes
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Write 恭敬

Practice writing 恭敬 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 恭敬

恭敬 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高,not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

我们家的孩子对长辈总是恭____敬的。

The children in our family are always respectful to their elders.

Example Sentences for 恭敬 (3)

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1
我们家的孩子对长辈总是恭恭敬敬的。

wǒ mén jiā de hái zǐ duì cháng bèi zǒng shì gōng gōng jìng jìng de。

The children in our family are always respectful to their elders.
2
那位老人语带恭敬。

nà wèi lǎo rén yǔ dài gōng jìng。

The old man spoke deferentially.
3
云将跪下来恭恭敬敬地磕了两个响头,神情肃然, 抬头挺胸地走了.

yún jiāng guì xià lái gōng gōng jìng jìng dì kē le liǎng gè xiǎng tóu, , shén qíng sù, rán , tái tóu tǐng xiōng dì.

Kneeling down solemnly, Yun Jiang kowtowed twice and left , with head raising and chest lifting.

Cultural Notes for 恭敬

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, showing respect through gestures, language, and behavior is crucial, especially towards elders and authority figures. The concept of 恭敬 is deeply ingrained in Confucian values, emphasizing harmony and respect in relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions about 恭敬

You can say: '我们应该对老师恭敬' (We should be respectful towards our teachers).