Translation guide
The ability to distinguish right from wrong; conscience or ethical awareness.
The internal voice or feeling that tells you what is morally right or wrong.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'conscience' or 'moral sense'. Used in everyday and formal contexts.
He acted according to his conscience.
I feel pangs of conscience.
Literally 'moral heart/mind'. Refers to one's moral sense or ethical sensibility. Slightly more formal and abstract than 良心.
He has a strong moral sense.
Refers to one's sense of ethics or ethical standards. Often used in discussions of professional or societal ethics.
His moral sense is admirable.
Literally 'judgment of good and evil'. Used when talking about the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
Teach children a moral sense (the ability to judge right and wrong).
The capacity to recognize moral issues or be sensitive to ethical dimensions of a situation.
An internalized set of moral principles that guides behavior.
良心 (conscience) is the most common and personal term. 道徳心 (moral sense) is slightly more abstract and often used in educational contexts. 倫理観 (ethical sense) is more formal and associated with societal or professional ethics.
English 'moral sense' can often be translated as 良心 when referring to an inner voice. For broader ethical awareness, 道徳意識 or 倫理観 may be more appropriate. Avoid literal translations like 道徳感覚, which is not natural.
The moral sense of corporations is being questioned.