Translation guide
Piety refers to devotion and reverence, often in a religious context, but also in familial or moral senses. In Japanese, the concept is expressed through different words depending on whether it's religious devotion, filial duty, or general righteousness.
Deep reverence and devotion to a deity or religious practice.
General term for religious faith or piety; often used in Buddhist or Shinto contexts.
She has deep piety.
Conveys a sense of devoutness and reverence, often used for monotheistic religions or solemn piety.
He is a pious Christian.
Literally 'heart of faith'; emphasizes the emotional or spiritual aspect of religious belief.
People of deep piety gather.
Respect, obedience, and care for one's parents and ancestors, a core Confucian virtue.
The most common term for filial piety; refers to acts of devotion and care toward one's parents.
I want to practice filial piety.
A more formal or literary term for filial piety, often used in set phrases.
A natural phrase meaning 'to cherish one's parents,' often used to describe filial behavior without the formal term.
He always shows piety toward his parents.
A broader sense of piety as moral integrity, devotion to duty, or righteous conduct.
信心 (shinjin) is a general term for religious faith and is common in everyday language, especially in Buddhist contexts. 敬虔 (keiken) implies a more solemn, often monotheistic devotion and is slightly more formal. Use 信心 for general piety, and 敬虔 when emphasizing reverence or in Christian contexts.
English 'piety' can sound archaic or overly formal. In Japanese, it's usually better to specify the type of piety (religious, filial) and use the appropriate term. Using a direct translation like ピエティ is not natural.
孝行は美徳とされる。
Filial piety is considered a virtue.
To harbor feelings of piety.