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.
仏陀の教えに従って生きる。
Live according to the Buddha's precepts.
親の教えを守る。
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.
彼はその戒めを破った。
He broke that precept.
仏教の戒めを守る。
Observe the Buddhist precepts.
A lesson or moral teaching, often derived from an experience or story. Emphasizes the instructive aspect of a precept.
この話には深い教訓がある。
This story contains a profound precept.
失敗から教訓を得る。
Learn a precept from failure.
A proverb or maxim; a concise, memorable precept. Often used for well-known sayings.
「急がば回れ」は有名な格言だ。
"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.
会社の行動原則に従う。
Follow the company's precepts of conduct.
民主主義の基本原則。
The basic precepts of democracy.
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.
僧侶は戒律を守らなければならない。
Monks must observe the precepts.
五戒は仏教の基本的な戒律です。
The Five Precepts are basic Buddhist commandments.
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.
聖訓に従って生きる。
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.
親の教えは人生の指針だ。
Parents' precepts are a guide for life.
酒を飲みすぎないようにという戒め。
A precept against drinking too much.
この失敗はいい教訓になった。
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.
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.
Observe social precepts.
行動の規範を示す。
Set forth precepts for behavior.
経営方針を明確にする。
Clarify the management precepts.
Go against God's precepts.
村の掟を破る者は追放される。
Those who break the village precepts are banished.