noun
humanity and justice; virtue
Confucian ethical concept combining benevolence (仁) and righteousness (義). Used in philosophical, historical, or literary contexts.
孔子は仁義を重んじた。
Confucius valued humanity and justice.
noun
duty; moral obligation
A sense of duty or moral obligation, often in a traditional or formal context. Less common in everyday speech.
彼は仁義を尽くして行動した。
He acted with a sense of duty.
noun
formal greeting (underworld)
A ritualized greeting or exchange of formalities among yakuza, street vendors, gamblers, etc. Often used in the phrase 仁義を切る. Possibly derived from 辞儀.
ヤクザ同士が仁義を切る場面を見た。
I saw a scene where yakuza exchanged formal greetings.
noun
gang's moral code
The unwritten code of conduct or ethics within a gang or criminal organization.
彼は組の仁義に背いた。
He violated the gang's moral code.