Kanji Breakdown: 遵
Meaning: To obey, follow, comply with, abide by.
Reading: On'yomi: ジュン (jun)
Structure:
Outer (辶): "movement" radical (walking forward)
Inner (尊): "respect/honor" character
The character shows "moving forward respectfully along a path" - perfectly capturing the concept of following rules or orders with respect.
Core Vocabulary & Examples:
遵守 (じゅんしゅ, junshu)
Compliance, adherence, observance
法律を遵守することは重要だ (It's important to comply with the law)
遵法 (じゅんぽう, junpou)
Law observance, obedience to law
遵法精神を養う (To cultivate a spirit of law observance)
遵行 (じゅんこう, junkō)
Obedience, compliance with orders
命令を遵行する (To obey orders)
Key Insight: 遵 emphasizes respectful compliance - not just following rules mechanically, but doing so with understanding and respect for the established order. It's commonly used in legal, official, and formal contexts where proper adherence to rules is emphasized.
Stroke Order: 15 strokes. Write the inner component (尊) first, then the outer walking radical (辶).