Translation guide
A meritorious deed is an act that earns moral or spiritual credit, often in a religious or ethical context. In Japanese, this concept is most commonly expressed through terms related to good deeds, virtuous acts, or the accumulation of merit, especially in Buddhist contexts.
Expressing the idea of a morally good or praiseworthy action in everyday or ethical contexts.
A general term for a good deed or virtuous act. Suitable for both spoken and written contexts.
彼は多くの善行を行った。
He performed many good deeds.
A more literary term for a praiseworthy or noble act. Often used in formal writing.
その美挙は後世に語り継がれるだろう。
That noble deed will be passed down to future generations.
Referring to deeds that generate spiritual merit (karma) in a Buddhist context.
Merit or virtuous deed that brings spiritual benefits. Central to Buddhist practice.
寄付は大きな功徳になります。
Donations become a great meritorious deed.
To accumulate good karma or merit through virtuous acts. Common in Buddhist teachings.
毎日の小さな親切が善根を積むことになる。
Small daily kindnesses accumulate merit.
Good karma or virtuous deed, specifically in a karmic sense. More technical Buddhist term.
Highlighting deeds that involve giving or helping others, often with a moral or social value.
Charitable act or philanthropic deed. Neutral and widely understood.
彼女の慈善行為は多くの人を救った。
Her charitable deeds saved many people.
A righteous or heroic deed, often implying self-sacrifice for a cause. Slightly formal.
彼の義挙は地域社会に認められた。
His righteous deed was recognized by the community.
善行 is a secular term for any good deed, while 功徳 is a religious term for merit that affects one's karma. Use 功徳 only in Buddhist or spiritual contexts.
ボランティアは善行です。
Volunteering is a good deed.
お寺に寄付すると功徳になります。
Donating to a temple becomes a meritorious deed.
The English phrase 'meritorious deed' sounds formal and somewhat archaic. In Japanese, using 功績のある行為 is unnatural; prefer the terms listed above depending on context.
If you accumulate good karma, you will receive good rewards in the next life.