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.
彼の行動は不義と非難された。
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).
彼は妻の不義を知って激怒した。
He flew into a rage when he learned of his wife's infidelity.
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
不義の金は受け取れない。
I cannot accept money gained through injustice.
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.
neglect of social obligations; dishonorable conduct · failure to repay a debt
adultery; infidelity
From Middle Chinese 不義 (pjuw ngjeH). The kanji 不 means 'not' and 義 means 'righteousness, morality', giving the literal sense of 'unrighteousness'.