Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
節を売る (せつをうる) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, godan verb (-ru)
sell one's principles ; sell one's honor ; prostitute oneself
Idiomatic expression meaning to compromise one's integrity or moral standards for personal gain. Often used in contexts of betrayal, corruption, or selling out.
I can't forgive politicians who sell out their principles.
Similar words 信しん 念ねん を 曲ま げる More literal: 'to bend one's beliefs'. 節を売る is more idiomatic and carries a stronger connotation of betrayal or selling out.
裏うら 切ぎ る General verb for 'to betray'. 節を売る specifically focuses on compromising one's own principles, often for benefit.
Etymology The expression combines 節 (principle, integrity) with 売る (to sell), literally 'to sell one's principles'. The exact origin is uncertain, but it follows a common metaphorical pattern of treating abstract values as commodities.
