Translation guide
The concept of right and wrong, often used in moral, ethical, or judgmental contexts. In Japanese, this is commonly expressed through set phrases, nouns, or verbs that contrast correct/incorrect or good/bad.
Expressing the abstract concept of morality, ethics, or the distinction between good and evil.
The most direct and common term for 'right and wrong' in a moral sense. It literally means 'good and evil' and is used in both formal and everyday contexts.
善悪の判断がつかない。
I can't tell right from wrong.
子供に善悪を教えるのは親の役目だ。
It's a parent's duty to teach children right and wrong.
Often used to discuss the rightness or wrongness of an action, decision, or policy. It can also mean 'by all means' in other contexts, but here it refers to 'right and wrong' or 'pros and cons'.
その政策の是非を議論する。
We will discuss the right and wrong of that policy.
A more literary or formal term for 'right and wrong', often used in philosophical or ethical discussions. Less common in everyday speech.
正邪の区別が曖昧になっている。
The distinction between right and wrong has become blurred.
Referring to factual correctness or incorrectness, such as in answers, statements, or actions.
Used for 'right and wrong' in the context of answers, test questions, or factual correctness. Common in educational or testing settings.
正誤を判定する。
Judge whether it's right or wrong.
この問題の正誤を答えてください。
Please answer whether this question is right or wrong.
A formal term for 'right or wrong' or 'validity', often used in legal or official contexts to judge the appropriateness of a decision or action.
The ability or act of telling right from wrong, often used in educational or moral development contexts.
A more colloquial way to say 'good and bad' or 'right and wrong', often used when evaluating something. It can also mean 'merits and demerits'.
彼は善し悪しがわからない。
He doesn't know right from wrong.
Variant of 善し悪し, often written with the simpler kanji 良. Same meaning and usage.
善悪 (ぜんあく) is used for moral right and wrong (good vs. evil), while 正誤 (せいご) is used for factual correctness (right vs. wrong answers). Do not confuse them.
The English phrase 'right and wrong' cannot be directly translated word-for-word into Japanese. Use the appropriate compound noun based on context.
Question the rightness or wrongness of that decision.
物事の良し悪しを見極める。
Discern the right and wrong of things.