verb / adjective HSK 6
Traditional 欽
to respect · to admire · imperial
Meaning
钦 is a formal, literary character meaning to respect or admire deeply. Historically, it was used in imperial contexts to indicate something related to the emperor or done by imperial decree. In modern usage, it appears primarily in formal compounds and classical expressions.
Usage
This character is rarely used alone in modern conversational Chinese. It appears most commonly in formal compounds like 钦佩 (to admire), 钦差 (imperial envoy), or historical references. When used, it conveys a sense of reverence or official importance.
Examples
- 01我十分钦佩他的勇气和决心。.I deeply admire his courage and determination.
- 02这是皇帝钦定的官员。.This is an official designated by the emperor.
Common collocations
- 钦佩不已to admire endlessly
- 钦定imperially approved, designated by the emperor
- 钦命imperial order
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 欽 combines the radical 欠 (to lack, to owe) with 金 (metal/gold), originally suggesting respect or deference shown to authority, particularly imperial authority in ancient China.