Honor in different languages

Honor in Different Languages

Discover 'Honor' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

Honor is a powerful word that holds great significance in many cultures and languages around the world. At its core, honor represents a strong sense of integrity, respect, and ethical conduct. It is a concept that is deeply ingrained in our social and cultural norms, and is often associated with values such as loyalty, courage, and dignity.

Throughout history, honor has played a crucial role in shaping societies and influencing human behavior. From the samurai code of bushido in Japan, to the chivalric code of knights in medieval Europe, honor has been a guiding principle that has helped to define cultural identities and promote social cohesion.

Given the importance of honor in different cultures, it's not surprising that the word has been translated into many languages, each with its own unique nuances and connotations. For example, in Spanish, honor is translated as 'honor', while in French, it is translated as 'honneur'. In German, the word for honor is 'Ehre', and in Russian, it is 'честь' (chast').

In this article, we will explore the many translations of honor in different languages, shedding light on the cultural significance of this important word and providing insights into the rich and diverse linguistic landscape of our world.

Honor


Honor in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaanseer
"Eer" is cognate with "ear" (grain spikelet) in several Germanic languages (Dutch, Danish, Swedish), as well as the Latin root of cereal (grain).
Amharicክብር
"ክብር" in Amharic can both mean "honor" and "weight", with the root "ክብ" meaning "heavy"
Hausagirmamawa
The word 'girmamawa' also means 'dignity' in Hausa.
Igbonsọpụrụ
The Igbo word nsọpụrụ, 'respect,' may derive from 'nsọ,' 'spirit,' and 'pụ,' 'emerge,' perhaps connoting the respect paid to something that makes a person or group extraordinary.
Malagasymanomeza voninahitra
The word Manomeza voninahitra in Malagasy can also refer to a person or object that deserves respect and veneration, similar to the word honor in English.
Nyanja (Chichewa)ulemu
Ulemu is used in Nyanja to refer to different forms of respect, depending on whether it precedes or follows a noun.
Shonarukudzo
The word "rukudzo" shares its root with the word "kudza," meaning "to come" or "to be present."
Somalisharaf
Somali word "sharaf" (honor) derives from the root meaning "to be raised up" (sharaf) in Arabic, and is also used to refer to the high status or esteem accorded to someone or something.
Sesothotlotla
Sesotho "tlotla" also means "respectful attitude towards one's superiors."
Swahiliheshima
In Swahili, "heshima" also means "respect" or "esteem", and is closely related to the term "heshimu", meaning "to respect".
Xhosaimbeko
In addition to "honor," "imbeko" can also refer to the "strength" or "respect" associated with honor.
Yorubaọlá
"Ọlá" can also mean "lineage" or "family" in Yoruba, highlighting the interconnectedness of honor, ancestry, and community.
Zuluudumo
Udumo originates from the Bantu root "*dum-/*dom" meaning "to praise" and is cognate with "dumiso" (praise).
Bambarabonya
Ewebubu
Kinyarwandaicyubahiro
Lingalalokumu
Lugandaokussaamu ekitiibwa
Sepedihlompha
Twi (Akan)animuonyamhyɛ

Honor in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicشرف
The word "شرف" can also refer to a high position or status in society.
Hebrewכָּבוֹד
"כָּבוֹד" derives from the root כב"ד meaning heavy and also refers to reputation and glory, hence its connotation as honor.
Pashtoویاړ
The word 'ویاړ' is also used to describe a code of conduct that emphasizes bravery, loyalty, and hospitality.
Arabicشرف
The word "شرف" can also refer to a high position or status in society.

Honor in Western European Languages

Albaniannder
The word "nder" originates from the Proto-Indo-European root *ned- (*praise, extol), and is shared with Germanic languages (such as English "honor") and Balto-Slavic languages (such as Russian "награда" (nagrada, "reward")).
Basqueohorea
Ohorea derives from proto-Basque *oren 'fame', with a similar root to Latin honor
Catalanhonor
The word honors (in Catalan, l’honor) comes from Latin ‘honor’, which is also reflected in the English ‘honor’.
Croatiančast
Čast is related to the words 'chest' and 'chaste' due to the idea of protecting something of value.
Danishære
The Danish word "Ære" originally meant "reverence for the gods" but has evolved to encompass the concepts of reputation and esteem.
Dutcheer
The word "eer" in Dutch can also mean "ore", as in the mineral.
Englishhonor
The word 'honor' derives from the Latin word 'honor', which referred to respect, esteem, and public recognition.
Frenchhonneur
The French word "honneur" (honor) derives from the Latin word "honor", which also meant "dignity, respect, and esteem".
Frisianeare
The Frisian word "eare" also means "reputation" or "fame."
Galicianhonra
Galician "honra" comes from Latin "*honores" and has alternate meanings like "integrity", "respect", "good reputation", and "decency".
Germanehre
The original meaning of "Ehre" was more like "good reputation" and it still means "good name" in legal matters.
Icelandicheiður
The Icelandic word "heiður" originally meant "dignity," but later took on the meaning of "honor."
Irishonóir
The word "onóir" in Irish can also mean "respect" or "esteem".
Italianonore
The word "onore" also means "burden" in Italian
Luxembourgishéier
The word "Éier" (honor) has Germanic roots and is related to words for iron and ore in other Germanic languages.
Malteseunur
The word "unur" in Maltese comes from the Latin "honor" and also means "respect".
Norwegianære
The word "ære" in Norwegian can also mean "respect" or "esteem".
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)honra
In Portuguese, "honra" can also refer to honesty, integrity, good reputation, or chastity.
Scots Gaelicurram
In Irish Gaelic, 'urram' also refers to a 'tribute' or 'present' paid in respect.
Spanishhonor
In Spanish, "honor" can also refer to a fee paid to a public official.
Swedishära
Ära is also the Swedish word for "scar" or "blemish".
Welshanrhydedd
The word "anrhydedd" (honor) in Welsh comes from the Proto-Celtic root *an- "to win, gain, obtain".

Honor in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianгонар
The Belarusian word "гонар" meaning "honor" is derived from the Old Church Slavonic "гънъ", cognate with the Latin "honos" and English "honor".
Bosniančast
The Croatian word "čast" can also mean "portion" or "meal", which is an etymological link to the ancient Slavic word "čaьstь", meaning "part" or "share".
Bulgarianчест
The word "чест" (honor) in Bulgarian can also refer to "conscience".
Czechčest
The word "čest" also has the alternate meaning of "treat", as in "treating someone to a meal".
Estonianau
The word "au" in Estonian also means "steam" and is related to the Finnish word "aho", meaning "field" or "meadow".
Finnishkunnia
The Finnish word for honor, "kunnia," derives from an ancient Indo-European root also found in the Latin "genus" and the English "kin," and carries connotations of kinship and reputation within the community.
Hungarianbecsület
The word "becsület" also means "honest, loyal, and upright," and originates from the obsolete word "bekes" meaning "peace," and the Hungarian suffix "-ség" meaning "state, quality, or condition."
Latviangods
The Latvian word “dievi” initially meant “heavenly beings, gods”, but its meaning has shifted to “honor, glory” over time.
Lithuaniangarbė
The origin of the Lithuanian word "garbė" is traced back to the Indo-European root *gerbʰ- meaning "to grab" or "to seize."
Macedonianчест
The word "чест" (honor) in Macedonian shares a common etymological root with the Latin word "honestus" (honorable), highlighting a shared cultural value for integrity and decency
Polishhonor
Honor traces its roots to the Latin word "honos" and has meanings in Polish that include glory, respect, and reputation.
Romanianonora
The Romanian word "onora" likely derives from the Latin word "honora" meaning "honor, respect, esteem".
Russianчесть
The word "честь" can also mean "conscience" or "reputation".
Serbianчаст
In Old Church Slavonic, it also meant "portion" or "part".
Slovakčesť
The Slovak word "česť" has different semantic equivalents in English depending on whether it is used with a verb or noun.
Sloveniančast
The word "čast" in Slovenian can also mean "treat" or "invitation".
Ukrainianчесть
The word "честь" in Ukrainian also has the meaning of "good reputation" or "renown".

Honor in South Asian Languages

Bengaliসম্মান
'সম্মান' comes from the Sanskrit 'samman' which also means 'respect' and 'esteem'
Gujaratiસન્માન
The Gujarati word 'સન્માન' also refers to a ceremonial reception given to a distinguished guest, often involving a gift of garlands and a shawl.
Hindiआदर
The word "आदर" in Hindi finds its origin in the Sanskrit root "आदर" meaning "to respect" or "to show respect for".
Kannadaಗೌರವ
The word "ಗೌರವ" ("honor") also has the alternate meaning of "respect" in Kannada.
Malayalamബഹുമാനം
The word "ബഹുമാനം" in Malayalam can also mean "respect" or "esteem" for someone or something.
Marathiसन्मान
"सन्मान" is derived from Sanskrit "मान" meaning respect and can also refer to a reception or a welcome.
Nepaliसम्मान
The word "सम्मान" derives from the Sanskrit root "man" (to honor or think highly of) and is cognate with similar terms in other Indo-European languages, such as the Latin "honor".
Punjabiਸਨਮਾਨ
Sinhala (Sinhalese)ගෞරවය
The word "ගෞරවය" can also mean "respectful treatment" and "esteem" in Sinhala.
Tamilமரியாதை
"மரியாதை" also refers to "respect", and "deference" shown towards someone.
Teluguగౌరవం
"గౌరవం" is also used in Telugu for respect shown by rising, or for respect paid to elders and betters, reverence.
Urduعزت
In Persian, the word عزت has a more political connotation, as in it is often used in the context of national glory or sovereignty.

Honor in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)荣誉
荣誉 in Chinese can also mean 'fame' or 'prestige', and is etymologically related to 'glory' in English.
Chinese (Traditional)榮譽
"榮" in 榮譽 means "to flourish" or "to bloom", and "譽" means "good reputation" or "praise."
Japanese名誉
名誉 (meiyo) is cognate with 名 (mei), meaning "name," and 与 (yo), meaning "to give".
Korean명예
"명예" (honor) comes from the Chinese characters "명" (bright, clear) and "예" (face, appearance), denoting a reputation for virtue and social standing.
Mongolianнэр төр
In Mongolian, the word for honor, нэр төр, also means "character" or "reputation."
Myanmar (Burmese)ဂုဏ်ယူပါတယ်

Honor in South East Asian Languages

Indonesiankehormatan
The word "kehormatan" also has a separate meaning, "chastity" or "purity."
Javanesepakurmatan
The word Pakurmatan in Javanese can also refer to respect or esteem given to someone or something worthy of it.
Khmerកិត្តិយស
Laoກຽດຕິຍົດ
Malaypenghormatan
The root word 'hormat' can also mean 'bow' or 'salute' in Malay
Thaiเกียรติยศ
"เกียรติยศ" is related to the Khmer term "kréyaḥ", meaning "power, glory".
Vietnamesetôn kính
Tôn kính, "respect," also carries connotations of religious awe; the Chinese honorific term 尊 "honored one" is cognate with tôn "honorable."
Filipino (Tagalog)karangalan

Honor in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijanişərəf
"Şərəf" also means "pride" and is derived from the Persian word "şaraf".
Kazakhқұрмет
Құрмет is thought to stem from the Persian
Kyrgyzнамыс
The word "намыс" in Kyrgyz can refer to both one's sense of honor and one's reputation.
Tajikшараф
The word шарав can also mean the face or forehead in Tajik.
Turkmenhormat
Uzbeksharaf
In Uzbek language,
Uyghurشەرەپ

Honor in Pacific Languages

Hawaiianhanohano
In Hawaiian, 'hanohano' can also mean 'to be celebrated', 'to be praised', or 'to be respected'
Maorihonore
In Māori, the word "honore" can also mean "esteem" or "respect."
Samoanmamalu
Derived from the Polynesian word `malu`, meaning "to protect" or "to cover," the term `mamalu` reflects the Samoan cultural emphasis on preserving one's reputation and honor.
Tagalog (Filipino)karangalan
The word "karangalan" in Tagalog (Filipino) is derived from the root word "dangal," which means "esteem" or "respect."

Honor in American Indigenous Languages

Aymaraunura
Guaraniterakuãguasu

Honor in International Languages

Esperantohonoro
The word "honori" comes from the Latin word "honor", which means "respect" or "esteem".
Latinhonoris
Honoris in Latin can also refer to honor or respect shown to someone.

Honor in Others Languages

Greekτιμή
The word τιμή, besides its main meaning of "respect" or "esteem," can also signify "value" or "price," in either a literal or a figurative sense.
Hmonghwm
In Hmong, 'hwm' signifies 'respect' rather than the broader 'honor,' and is often used as a term of address for elders as a formal sign of deference.
Kurdishnamûs
In Ottoman Turkish, namûs also meant 'protection, reputation, or good name'.
Turkishonur
The name Onur can be traced back to the Old Turkic word "onğ" which means "right, front, east" and is also the origin of the word "ön" (front) in modern Turkish.
Xhosaimbeko
In addition to "honor," "imbeko" can also refer to the "strength" or "respect" associated with honor.
Yiddishכּבֿוד
The Yiddish word for "honor," כּבֿוד, can also refer to weight or the honorific "Mr."
Zuluudumo
Udumo originates from the Bantu root "*dum-/*dom" meaning "to praise" and is cognate with "dumiso" (praise).
Assameseসন্মান
Aymaraunura
Bhojpuriसम्मान
Dhivehiޝަރަފު
Dogriसनमान
Filipino (Tagalog)karangalan
Guaraniterakuãguasu
Ilocanodayaw
Krioɔnɔ
Kurdish (Sorani)شەرەف
Maithiliइज्जत
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯏꯀꯥꯏ ꯈꯨꯝꯅꯕ
Mizozahawmna
Oromokabaja
Odia (Oriya)ସମ୍ମାନ
Quechuahonor
Sanskritसम्मान
Tatarхөрмәт
Tigrinyaኽብሪ
Tsongalosa

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