the five Confucian virtues
Refers to the five constant virtues in Confucianism: 仁 (benevolence), 義 (justice/righteousness), 礼 (courtesy/propriety), 智 (wisdom), and 信 (sincerity/trustworthiness). Used in philosophical, ethical, or historical contexts.
In Confucianism, benevolence, justice, courtesy, wisdom, and sincerity are considered the five constant virtues.
From the Chinese Confucian concept of 五常 (wǔcháng), the five constant virtues. The Japanese reading is on'yomi for each character.