Translation guide
The concept of morality in Japanese is expressed through words that emphasize social harmony, duty, and ethical principles. The most common term is 道徳 (dōtoku), but other words like 倫理 (rinri) and モラル (moraru) are used in specific contexts.
To refer to morality as a broad concept of right and wrong, or a system of moral principles.
The most common and general term for morality. It refers to the principles of right and wrong that govern behavior, often taught in schools or discussed in society.
道徳は社会の基盤です。
Morality is the foundation of society.
彼は道徳に反する行為をした。
He acted against morality.
Often translated as 'ethics', but overlaps with morality in formal or philosophical contexts. It refers to a systematic code of conduct, especially in professional or academic settings.
医療倫理は重要な分野です。
Medical ethics is an important field.
A loanword from English, used for 'morale' or 'morality' in the sense of public morals or personal standards. Often appears in compounds like モラルハザード (moral hazard).
最近、若者のモラルが低下していると言われる。
It is said that the morality of young people is declining these days.
To describe someone's moral quality, integrity, or virtuousness.
Literally 'moral heart/mind', referring to a person's sense of morality or moral conscience.
彼は道徳心が強い。
He has a strong sense of morality.
Means 'virtue' or 'moral excellence'. Often used in Confucian or philosophical contexts, and in compounds like 美徳 (virtue).
正直は美徳です。
Honesty is a virtue.
Refers to personal virtue or moral influence, often implying natural goodness that attracts others.
To refer to the subject of moral education in schools or the act of teaching morality.
The standard term for moral education as a school subject.
日本では道徳教育が必修です。
Moral education is compulsory in Japan.
Refers to a morality class or lesson.
今日の道徳の授業は面白かった。
Today's morality class was interesting.
To refer to the moral standards of a community or society, often in the context of decency or public order.
Literally 'public morality', used in formal contexts to discuss standards of behavior in public.
公衆道徳を守りましょう。
Let's observe public morality.
Refers to public morals or discipline, often used in the context of maintaining order in schools or society.
To refer to the lesson or moral of a story, fable, or experience.
The most common word for the moral or lesson of a story. It can also mean a lesson learned from an experience.
この話の教訓は何ですか？
What is the moral of this story?
失敗から教訓を得た。
I learned a lesson from my failure.
Refers to an allegory or moral hidden in a story, often used in literary analysis.
道徳 (dōtoku) is the broadest term for morality in everyday life and education. 倫理 (rinri) is more formal and systematic, often used for professional ethics (e.g., medical ethics). モラル (moraru) is a casual loanword that often refers to public morals or personal standards, and can also mean 'morale'.
The English word 'morale' (spirit, confidence) is also translated as モラル or 士気 (しき). Context usually makes it clear, but be careful not to mix them up.
彼の人徳が多くの人を惹きつける。
His personal virtue attracts many people.
Acts that disturb public morals are not tolerated.
This fable contains a deep moral.