What's the difference between 威{い}厳{げん}
and 尊{そん}厳{げん}
to mean "dignity"?
From what I can tell, the two seem to be similar, but slightly different. In what ways do the nuances and usages of the two differ?
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Sign up to join this communityWhat's the difference between 威{い}厳{げん}
and 尊{そん}厳{げん}
to mean "dignity"?
From what I can tell, the two seem to be similar, but slightly different. In what ways do the nuances and usages of the two differ?
First lets get the definitions from a dictionary:
尊厳:とうとくおごそかなこと。気高く犯しがたいこと。また、そのさま。「人間の―を守る」
威厳: 近寄りがたいほど堂々としておごそかなこと
If you look above, both definitions have the phrase おごそかなこと
in them. This is where they are similar in meaning. The difference is in the first characters 尊
and 威
. Lets think of 尊
as representing "value" and 威
represents "power".
Lets look at some examples:
暴力は人間の尊厳を奪う
個人の尊厳
犠牲者の尊厳を守る
In the above sentences, you cannot replace 尊厳
with 威厳
. The above sentences talk about something you should respect and uphold. So, 尊厳
is used in phrases talking about rights every human or individual should have, a level of respect, etc. (hence representing "value")
親としての威厳を保つ
国家の威厳を損ねる
威厳のある顔
The above is talking more about power and influence over others. If a parent does not have 威厳
, then a child is probably not going to listen to them, or if a country doesn't have 威厳
then they probably have to follow the orders from another country and never get their way, etc. (hence representing "power").