noun
moral duty; moral obligation
Refers to a duty or obligation based on one's social role, status, or ethical principles. Often used in formal or philosophical contexts.
君主としての名分を果たす。
Fulfill one's moral duty as a sovereign.
彼は名分に従って行動した。
He acted in accordance with his moral obligations.
noun
justification; just cause; pretext
A reason or principle used to justify an action, often in political or social contexts. Can imply a publicly stated reason that may be a pretext.
戦争の名分として領土問題を挙げた。
They cited territorial issues as justification for the war.
改革の名分がなければ動きにくい。
It's hard to act without a just cause for reform.
From Middle Chinese 名分 (mjieng bjunH), literally 'name and duty/role'. The Japanese reading めいぶん reflects the go-on pronunciation. The concept is rooted in Confucian philosophy, where one's social role defines one's moral obligations.