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肃然起敬

肅然起敬
sùránqǐjìng
idiom #36,795

Meanings

  1. 1 to feel sudden deep respect; to be filled with reverence
  2. 2 respect arises solemnly

Examples

听了他的故事，大家都肃然起敬。
Tīng le tā de gùshi, dàjiā dōu sùránqǐjìng.
Hearing his story, everyone was moved to deep respect.
看到老兵的勋章，我不禁肃然起敬。
Kàndào lǎobīng de xūnzhāng, wǒ bùjīn sùránqǐjìng.
Seeing the veteran's medals, I couldn't help but feel profound reverence.
她的坚持让人肃然起敬。
Tā de jiānchí ràng rén sùránqǐjìng.
Her perseverance inspires awe and respect.

Tips

history
From Liu Yiqing's Southern Dynasties 《世说新语·规箴》: 高足之徒，皆肃然增敬 — describing how advanced disciples listening to a lecture 'all grew solemn and more respectful.' The phrase hardened into 肃然起敬 in later literature. 肃 is 'solemn, reverent'; the 然 makes it adverbial.
usage
Captures the moment respect arises — not ongoing admiration but a sudden, sobering realization of someone's worth. Common triggers: a soldier's sacrifice, a doctor's dedication, an elder's quiet virtue.

Stroke Order

肃 sù
然 rán
起 qǐ
敬 jìng