Translation guide
Describes a person, attitude, or action that is morally elevated, principled, and often idealistic. In Japanese, this can be expressed through words emphasizing noble character, lofty ideals, or purity of motive. The most common equivalents are 高潔な and 高尚な, but the best choice depends on whether you are describing a person's character, an ideal, or a way of thinking.
Describing a person of strong moral principles, integrity, and uprightness.
She has a high-minded spirit.
An i-adjective meaning 'noble' or 'sublime', often implying an elevated, refined character. Slightly more literary than 高潔な.
気高い心の持ち主だ。
He is a person of high-minded heart.
Means 'upright and clean-handed', emphasizing honesty and incorruptibility. Often used in political or official contexts.
清廉な政治家は少ない。
High-minded politicians are rare.
Describing ideas, principles, or speech that are elevated and often idealistic, sometimes with a nuance of being impractical.
A na-adjective meaning 'lofty' or 'high-minded', often used for ideals, culture, or intellectual pursuits. Can sometimes imply being out of touch with reality.
高尚な理想を掲げる。
They advocate high-minded ideals.
彼の話は高尚すぎて理解できない。
His talk is too high-minded to understand.
Means 'sublime' or 'lofty', often used for grand, noble ideals or missions. Stronger and more awe-inspiring than 高尚な.
崇高な使命を感じる。
I feel a high-minded mission.
Literally 'burning with ideals', this phrase describes someone passionately high-minded and idealistic.
彼は理想に燃える青年だ。
He is a high-minded young man burning with ideals.
Emphasizing that an action or motive is based on moral principles rather than personal gain.
A na-adjective meaning 'fair and just', 'open and aboveboard'. Used for actions or attitudes that are high-minded in their impartiality and integrity.
公明正大な態度で臨む。
He approaches it with a high-minded attitude.
Means 'unselfish' or 'without personal motives'. Describes a high-minded, disinterested approach.
私心のない行動が評価された。
His high-minded, unselfish actions were praised.
高潔な is about moral purity and integrity of a person's character. 高尚な is about the loftiness of ideas, culture, or speech. Use 高潔な for people, 高尚な for concepts.
The English 'high-minded' cannot be directly translated as 高い心 or similar. Use the adjectives provided. Also, be careful with 高尚な as it can sound pretentious or out-of-touch if overused.