義理
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
duty; social obligation; debt of gratitude
Refers to the moral obligation or sense of duty one feels toward others, especially in social relationships. Often involves reciprocity, loyalty, or maintaining face. Common in phrases like 義理を果たす (fulfill one's obligation) and 義理堅い (dutiful, loyal).
He is a person who never neglects his social obligations.
I go to greet my parents-in-law out of a sense of duty.
noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
in-law; relation by marriage
Used as a prefix (義理の〜) to indicate a relationship through marriage rather than blood, e.g., 義理の兄 (brother-in-law), 義理の母 (mother-in-law).
My sister-in-law is getting married.
Even though it's a relation by marriage, I want to get along well.
Usage patterns
- 義理を果たすto fulfill one's social obligation
He fulfilled his obligation by attending his boss's wedding.
- 義理の〈人〉in-law (relative by marriage) of a specified kind
My son-in-law is coming to visit us soon.
- 義理で〈動詞〉to do something out of a sense of obligation (rather than genuine feeling)
I didn't really want to go, but I attended the drinking party out of obligation.
- 〈人〉に義理があるto have a sense of obligation/debt of gratitude toward someone
I owe him a debt of gratitude for taking care of me in the past.
Expressions
- 義理にもin all conscience; in honour; in duty bound
- 義理の父father-in-law; stepfather; foster father
- 義理の親parent-in-law; parents-in-law
- 義理が悪いfailing in one's duty; being ungrateful; lacking a sense of obligation
- 義理を欠くfail in one's social duties; neglect one's obligations
- 義理を立てるfulfill one's social obligation; do one's duty by someone; show loyalty