noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
immorality; injustice; misconduct
Broadly refers to acts that violate moral or social norms, often implying betrayal or lack of righteousness. Can be used in formal or literary contexts.
His actions were condemned as immoral.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Specifically refers to marital unfaithfulness or an extramarital affair. Often used in the phrase 不義の子 (illegitimate child).
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
murder of one's teacher or a government official (archaic)
Archaic legal term from the 八虐 (eight unpardonable crimes) in the Ritsuryō system. Refers specifically to killing one's teacher or a government official. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
See also: 八虐
I cannot accept money gained through injustice.
He flew into a rage when he learned of his wife's infidelity.
He was born as an illegitimate child.
Under the Ritsuryō system, 不義 was considered one of the eight unpardonable crimes.
不義 denotes immorality or unfaithfulness, the direct opposite of the righteous, dutiful sense of 義.
From Middle Chinese 不義 (pjuw ngjeH). The kanji 不 means 'not' and 義 means 'righteousness, morality', giving the literal sense of 'unrighteousness'.