Translation guide
The English word 'honourable' covers a range of meanings from moral uprightness to social prestige. In Japanese, these are expressed through different words and cultural concepts, often tied to honorific language and social hierarchy.
Describing a person or action that is honest, fair, and morally correct.
Adjective meaning 'splendid', 'admirable', or 'honourable' in the sense of being morally upright and respectable. Commonly used for people and actions.
Noun/adjective meaning 'noble', 'high-minded', or 'honourable' in a moral sense. More formal and literary than 立派.
He is a person of honourable spirit.
Phrase meaning 'having a sense of justice', often used to describe an honourable person who stands up for what is right.
He is a young man with an honourable sense of justice.
Describing a person, position, or institution that commands respect due to status, tradition, or achievement.
Phrase meaning 'honourable' or 'prestigious', often used for titles, awards, or positions. Literally 'having honour'.
I received an honourable award.
To assume an honourable position.
Similar to 名誉ある but slightly more formal and often used for distinguished honours or glorious achievements.
To carry out an honourable mission.
Means 'respectable' or 'worthy of respect', often used for people. Can imply honourable character.
He is an honourable leader.
Used as a title for certain officials or in formal address, like 'the Honourable Judge'.
In Japanese, there is no direct equivalent to 'the Honourable' as a prefix. Instead, use appropriate honorific titles like 先生 (せんせい) for teachers, doctors, politicians; or suffixes like 様 (さま) for formal address. For judges, use 裁判官 (さいばんかん) with 様 or 先生 depending on context.
Formal title meaning 'Your/His/Her Excellency', used for high-ranking officials like ministers or ambassadors. Equivalent to 'the Honourable' in very formal contexts.
A recognition for work that did not win a prize but is worthy of note.
Literally 'good work', this is the standard term for 'honourable mention' in contests and exhibitions.
His work was selected for an honourable mention.
Means 'selected' or 'accepted' for an exhibition/contest. Sometimes used for honourable mentions when the work is exhibited but not awarded a top prize.
Release from military service under honourable conditions.
Standard term for 'honourable discharge' from military service.
He received an honourable discharge.
English uses 'the Honourable' as a prefix for certain officials. Japanese does not have a direct equivalent. Instead, use appropriate honorific suffixes or titles based on the person's role. Using 名誉ある (honourable) as a title would sound unnatural.
立派 (りっぱ) is a common, versatile word for 'admirable' or 'splendid', often implying honourable character. 高潔 (こうけつ) is more formal and specifically means 'noble' or 'high-minded', focusing on moral purity. Use 立派 in everyday conversation; 高潔 in literary or formal contexts.
The Honourable Minister
入選作品として展示された。
It was exhibited as an honourable mention.