Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'public morals' is often expressed through terms related to public order, decency, and social standards. The most common equivalent is 公序良俗 (こうじょりょうぞく), a legal and social term. Other expressions vary by context, such as moral education or public decency.
The broad idea of standards of good behavior and decency in society, often in legal or formal contexts.
A formal term combining 'public order' and 'good morals'. Commonly used in legal contexts, such as in contracts or discussions of public policy.
That contract violates public order and morals.
Refers to public morals or discipline, often in the context of maintaining order in schools or society. Can imply a focus on sexual morality or decency.
Acts that disturb public morals are not tolerated.
Means 'morals' or 'morality' in a general sense. Often used in educational contexts or when discussing ethical standards.
It is important to uphold public morality.
Standards of behavior related to sexual conduct in public, often in legal or social discussions about obscenity or indecency.
Refers to public morals, especially regarding sexual mores and customs. Often used in terms like 風俗営業 (sex-related businesses) or 風俗犯罪 (morals offenses).
Sex-related businesses are regulated in this area.
Means 'obscene' or 'indecent'. Used in legal contexts to describe acts or materials that offend public morals, especially sexual decency.
The teaching of morals and ethics, often in schools or community settings.
Moral education, a subject in Japanese schools that teaches ethics and social values.
Moral education is important for children's character development.
The unwritten rules of behavior that are generally accepted in society.
Good sense or sound judgment in social matters; often implies adherence to public morals and common decency.
We expect behavior that shows good sense and public decency.
Public virtue or public morality; a somewhat formal term emphasizing civic-minded moral behavior.
公序良俗 is a legalistic term for public order and morals, often used in contracts. 風紀 emphasizes discipline and decency, sometimes with a focus on sexual morality. 道徳 is the broadest term for morality and ethics, used in education and everyday contexts.
Avoid directly translating 'public morals' as 公共の道徳 in most contexts; it can sound unnatural. Use the specific terms above depending on the nuance.
猥褻物を公然と展示してはいけない。
You must not publicly display obscene materials.
Let's act with a sense of public morality.