noun
the five virtues (Confucianism)
Refers to the five cardinal Confucian virtues: benevolence (仁), righteousness (義), propriety (礼), wisdom (智), and fidelity (信). Used in philosophical or historical contexts.
儒教では五徳を重んじる。
Confucianism values the five virtues.
noun
tripod kettle stand; trivet
A metal stand, usually with three or four legs, placed over a fire to support a kettle or pot. Common in traditional Japanese tea ceremony and cooking.
五徳の上に鉄瓶をのせる。
Place the iron kettle on the trivet.
noun
family crest shaped like a trivet
A kamon (family crest) design depicting a three-legged kettle stand. Used in heraldry and traditional crafts.
この家の家紋は五徳の形をしている。
This family's crest is in the shape of a trivet.
From 五 (five) + 徳 (virtue). The original meaning is the five Confucian virtues. The utensil sense likely derives from the shape or number of legs, but the exact derivation is uncertain.