Translation guide
A precept is a general rule or principle intended to guide behavior or thought. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through words for teachings, moral principles, rules, and maxims, often with a traditional or ethical nuance.
A guiding rule for right conduct, often from a religious, philosophical, or traditional source.
A broad term for teachings or precepts, often from a master, religion, or tradition. It implies wisdom passed down.
Live according to the Buddha's precepts.
Follow one's parents' precepts.
A precept or admonition, often with a sense of warning or prohibition. Used in religious contexts (e.g., Buddhist precepts) or as a lesson against wrongdoing.
He broke that precept.
Observe the Buddhist precepts.
A lesson or moral teaching, often derived from an experience or story. Emphasizes the instructive aspect of a precept.
This story contains a profound precept.
Learn a precept from failure.
A proverb or maxim; a concise, memorable precept. Often used for well-known sayings.
"Haste makes waste" is a famous precept.
A fundamental rule or guideline, not necessarily moral, used in practical or organizational contexts.
A principle or fundamental rule. Neutral and widely used in business, law, and daily life.
Follow the company's precepts of conduct.
A norm, standard, or model for behavior. Often used in social or ethical contexts, implying a shared standard.
A policy or guiding principle, often used in business or organizational settings. More about a course of action than a moral rule.
A divine or authoritative command, often from scripture or a spiritual leader.
Religious precepts or commandments, especially in Buddhism. Refers to a set of rules for monks or laypeople.
Monks must observe the precepts.
A law, rule, or commandment, often with a traditional or divine origin. Can sound archaic or solemn.
Sacred precepts or teachings, often from a religious founder or scripture. Formal and literary.
Live according to the sacred precepts.
教え (oshie) is a general term for teachings, often implying a body of wisdom. 戒め (imashime) emphasizes a warning or prohibition, common in religious rules. 教訓 (kyōkun) is a lesson or moral drawn from experience, like a takeaway message.
Parents' precepts are a guide for life.
A precept against drinking too much.
This failure became a good precept.
The loanword プレセプト (pureseputo) is not commonly used in Japanese. It may be understood in very specific academic or religious contexts, but it is not natural. Use the native terms above instead.
The basic precepts of democracy.
Observe social precepts.
Set forth precepts for behavior.
経営方針を明確にする。
Clarify the management precepts.
The Five Precepts are basic Buddhist commandments.
Go against God's precepts.
Those who break the village precepts are banished.