virtuous, good, goodness
善 centers on moral excellence and positive quality: being virtuous, good, or possessing goodness in character or action.
善 combines 羊 (sheep) and an element derived from 言 (words), suggesting the idea of using gentle, sheep-like words to express goodness or virtue. The exact historical development is somewhat uncertain, but the association with sheep as a symbol of gentleness and moral quality is well established.
A sheep (羊) stands above a mouth (口), as if speaking gentle, virtuous words. The sheep's mild nature represents goodness, making 善 the kanji for virtuous and good.
For ゼン, imagine a Zen master embodying perfect goodness: Zen -> ゼン, and the master's virtuous nature is like the gentle sheep in the kanji.
betterment; improvement
good; goodness; right; virtue
the very best; utmost
charity; benevolence; philanthropy
virtuous mind
hypocrisy
right and wrong; good and evil
good (person, nature, etc.); good-natured; virtuous; honest
good person; virtuous person
friendship; goodwill; friendly relations; amity
good deed; good conduct; benevolence
self-righteousness; self-justified
fighting a good fight; putting up a good fight; fighting bravely
Maruzen (publisher)
well done!; bravo!
good person; good guy
just how; how (dare you)
dealing appropriately (with a situation); taking proper measures; handling (an issue) carefully; making the best of (a bad bargain)
rewarding good and punishing evil; poetic justice
to satisfy oneself; to feel satisfied; to be proud