Translation guide
The Confucian virtue of respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and ancestors. In Japanese, this is most commonly expressed with the word 親孝行 (oyakoukou), but the concept also appears in formal terms like 孝 (kou) and 孝行 (koukou).
Expressing the general concept of being a good, devoted son or daughter
Describing the action of doing something for one's parents out of filial piety
The most natural way to say 'to perform an act of filial piety' or 'to be good to one's parents'.
Referring to a person who is filial
A natural way to describe a filial person.
Filial piety (親孝行) is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, influenced by Confucianism. It is often associated with caring for aging parents, showing respect, and bringing honor to the family. In modern Japan, while the traditional strict sense may have softened, the expectation to support and respect parents remains strong.
The most common and natural word for filial piety in everyday Japanese. It can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (親孝行する).
I want to be a good son/daughter to my parents.
He is a filial son.
A slightly more formal or literary term for filial piety. Often used in set phrases or when speaking about the virtue in a general sense.
Cherish a spirit of filial piety.
A formal, often written term for filial piety, frequently used in compound words or classical contexts.
To be loyal and filial.
I should do something nice for my parents once in a while.
A more general expression meaning 'to cherish one's parents', which implies filial piety without using the specific term.
It's important to cherish your parents.
She is a truly filial person.
A more formal term for a filial person, often used in literature or formal speech.
He is the most filial person in the village.