Translation guide
A philosophical term from Kantian ethics, meaning an unconditional moral obligation that applies to all rational beings. In Japanese, it is primarily expressed through the established translation 定言命法 (ていげんめいほう), with related terms for broader ethical discussion.
The core philosophical concept: an unconditional, universal moral law derived from reason.
A broader, non-technical sense of a universal moral rule that one should always follow.
Means 'universal moral principle'. Suitable for general discussions about ethics outside strict Kantian contexts.
正直であることは普遍的な道徳原則だ。
Honesty is a universal moral principle.
In everyday Japanese conversation, the technical term 定言命法 is rarely used. If you want to discuss the idea of a universal moral rule, it's better to use descriptive phrases like 普遍的な道徳原則 or 誰にでも当てはまる道徳的ルール (a moral rule that applies to everyone).
In Kantian ethics, the categorical imperative (定言命法) is contrasted with the hypothetical imperative (仮言命法, かげんめいほう). The latter is a conditional command (if you want X, do Y), while the former is unconditional. When explaining Kant, it's helpful to introduce both terms together.
The standard Japanese translation of 'categorical imperative' in academic philosophy. Used in textbooks and scholarly works on Kant.
カントの定言命法は、行為の道徳性を判断する基準です。
Kant's categorical imperative is a criterion for judging the morality of actions.
A less common but still valid translation, literally 'categorical command'. Sometimes used in older or alternative translations.
定言的命令は、仮言的命令と対比されます。
The categorical imperative is contrasted with the hypothetical imperative.
Descriptive phrase meaning 'unconditional moral law'. Useful when explaining the concept without using the technical term.
彼は無条件の道徳法則に従って行動した。
He acted according to an unconditional moral law.
Means 'absolute ethical standard'. Emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the rule.
殺人は絶対的な倫理基準に反する。
Murder violates an absolute ethical standard.