中道
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
centrism; moderation; middle course; golden mean
Refers to avoiding extremes in politics, opinions, policy, or conduct. Often used as 中道の or 中道を掲げる for a centrist or moderate position.
That political party advocates a centrist position.
She listened to both sides from a moderate standpoint.
halfway; in the middle; partway through
A bookish or formal noun meaning the middle stage of an action, undertaking, or route. In everyday Japanese, 途中 is usually more common.
The plan collapsed halfway through.
Middle Way; Middle Path
Buddhist term for the path or doctrine that avoids extremes; often translated as the Middle Way or Middle Path.
In Buddhism, the Middle Way that avoids extremes is taught.
Usage patterns
- 中道を掲げるto advocate or champion a centrist/moderate position
That politician ran in the election on a centrist platform.
- 中道を歩むto walk the Middle Way (Buddhist teaching of avoiding extremes)
Buddhism teaches avoiding extremes and walking the Middle Way.
- 〈事〉の中道でmidway through (some undertaking or journey)
An unexpected problem arose midway through the plan.
- 中道を貫くto consistently stick to a moderate, middle course
He has consistently maintained a centrist course in politics for many years.