Translation guide
The concept of righteousness in Japanese is deeply tied to moral duty, justice, and social harmony. It is expressed through words like 正義 (justice), 義 (righteousness/duty), and 正しさ (correctness), each with distinct nuances. The most common and versatile term is 正義, used in everyday contexts for justice and moral rightness. 義 carries a more traditional, often Confucian sense of moral obligation and is common in compounds. 正しさ refers to the abstract quality of being right or correct. Learners should be cautious with direct translations, as the English word 'righteousness' can sound overly religious or self-righteous in Japanese if misapplied.
正義
justice; righteousness (general moral rightness)
Most common and versatile term for righteousness in the sense of justice and moral correctness.
義
righteousness; moral duty; honor (traditional/Confucian sense)
Often used in compounds like 正義 (justice) or 義務 (duty). Carries a sense of moral obligation.
Expressing the quality of being morally right or just, often in a social or legal context.
The standard term for justice or righteousness in modern Japanese. It refers to the abstract concept of moral rightness and is used in everyday speech, news, and literature.
彼は正義のために戦った。
He fought for justice.
正義は必ず勝つと信じている。
I believe that justice will always prevail.
The abstract quality of being correct or right. It can refer to moral correctness but is broader, covering factual or logical correctness as well.
自分の行動の正しさを確信している。
I am convinced of the rightness of my actions.
A traditional term for righteousness, often associated with Confucian morality. It implies a sense of duty and honor. Commonly used in compounds like 正義 (justice) and 義務 (duty).
彼は義に厚い人だ。
He is a man of strong moral principles.
Expressing a sense of moral obligation or duty, often tied to personal honor or social role.
Refers to a sense of duty or obligation, often in social relationships. It is a key concept in Japanese culture, encompassing the duty to repay favors, maintain honor, and fulfill social expectations.
彼は義理を欠かさない人だ。
He never neglects his social obligations.
義理の両親に挨拶に行った。
I went to pay my respects to my parents-in-law.
A more formal term for duty or obligation, often legal or moral. It is less about personal honor and more about required actions.
納税は国民の義務だ。
Paying taxes is a citizen's duty.
Describing a person who embodies righteousness or moral integrity.
A person of justice; someone who upholds moral principles. A straightforward and natural phrase.
彼は真の正義の人だ。
He is a truly righteous person.
A righteous person, often used in a more literary or historical context. It carries a strong sense of moral integrity.
彼は村で義人として知られていた。
He was known in the village as a righteous man.
Expressing a negative, self-righteous attitude; being smugly moralistic.
An adjective meaning self-righteous or self-justifying. It describes someone who is convinced of their own moral superiority.
彼の独善的な態度にはうんざりだ。
I'm fed up with his self-righteous attitude.
A phrase meaning 'to be convinced that one is right.' It captures the essence of self-righteousness without a single word.
彼はいつも自分を正しいと思い込んでいる。
He always assumes he's in the right.
The English word 'self-righteous' does not have a direct, commonly used equivalent in Japanese. Using 自己正義 (jiko seigi) is not natural. Instead, use 独善的 (dokuzenteki) or describe the behavior with phrases like 自分を正しいと思い込む (jibun wo tadashii to omoikomu).
正義 (seigi) is the most common and neutral term for justice/righteousness. 義 (gi) is more traditional and often appears in compounds, carrying a sense of moral duty. 正しさ (tadashisa) is the abstract quality of correctness, not limited to morality.