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.
高潔な精神の持ち主だ。
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.
彼は正義感のある若者だ。
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'.
名誉ある賞をいただきました。
I received an honourable award.
名誉ある地位に就く。
To assume an honourable position.
Similar to 名誉ある but slightly more formal and often used for distinguished honours or glorious achievements.
栄誉ある任務を果たす。
To carry out an honourable mission.
Means 'respectable' or 'worthy of respect', often used for people. Can imply honourable character.
尊敬すべき指導者だ。
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.
大臣閣下
The Honourable Minister
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.
彼の作品は佳作に選ばれた。
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.
彼は名誉除隊となった。
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.
入選作品として展示された。
It was exhibited as an honourable mention.