Translation guide
The concept of dignity in Japanese is expressed through words that convey worth, nobility, grace, and self-respect. The best choice depends on whether you mean inherent human worth, a calm and noble bearing, or the quality of being worthy of honor.
To refer to the intrinsic value and nobility of a human being, often in moral or philosophical contexts.
The most direct translation for 'dignity' as an inherent, inviolable quality of a person. Used in formal, legal, and philosophical contexts (e.g., human dignity).
すべての人は尊厳を持って生まれている。
All people are born with dignity.
人間の尊厳を守ることは大切だ。
It is important to protect human dignity.
Refers to dignity in the sense of personal character, refinement, and moral integrity. Often used to describe a person's grace and class.
彼女は品格のある振る舞いをする。
She behaves with dignity.
To describe a person's composed and noble bearing, especially in difficult situations.
Dignity as an impressive, commanding presence; often associated with authority, solemnity, and a sense of majesty.
彼は威厳を持ってその場を去った。
He left the scene with dignity.
裁判官は威厳のある態度で話した。
The judge spoke with a dignified manner.
Elegance and grace; a refined dignity often associated with beauty, nobility, or high social standing.
A sense of dignity and presence that comes with age, experience, or status; often implies a weighty, imposing aura.
To express the idea of maintaining one's own sense of worth and not allowing oneself to be degraded.
Self-respect, self-esteem. Often used when talking about protecting one's dignity from insult or humiliation.
彼は自尊心を傷つけられた。
His dignity was hurt.
どんな状況でも自尊心を失ってはいけない。
You must not lose your dignity in any situation.
Pride in a positive sense; a feeling of self-worth and honor. Can be used for personal or collective dignity.
To talk about dying in a way that preserves one's honor or without unnecessary suffering.
Death with dignity; often used in medical and ethical discussions about end-of-life care.
尊厳死について家族と話し合った。
I discussed death with dignity with my family.
Literally 'to adorn one's final moments'; to die with dignity or in a way that befits one's life.
彼は立派に最期を飾った。
He died with dignity.
尊厳 (そんげん) is the inherent, inviolable dignity of a person (human dignity). 威厳 (いげん) is a commanding, solemn dignity often associated with authority. 品格 (ひんかく) is personal dignity in terms of character and refinement. Use 尊厳 for philosophical/legal contexts, 威厳 for a person's impressive bearing, and 品格 for grace and class.
Avoid directly translating 'dignity' as ディグニティ, which is not commonly used. Also, be careful with 自尊心 (じそんしん) as it can sometimes imply excessive pride or touchiness if context is not clear.
I was moved by her dignified bearing.
彼は社長としての貫禄がある。
He has the dignity befitting a company president.
He works with dignity.