君子
Meanings
man of virtue; wise man; gentleman
Confucian ideal of a morally cultivated person; in modern use, a person of integrity and refined character. Often contrasted with 小人 (しょうじん).
He is truly a person worthy of being called a gentleman.
The gentleman is perceptive about righteousness; the petty person is perceptive about profit.
Historical or literary use for a person of elevated social standing; less common in everyday modern Japanese.
In ancient times, 君子 referred to those who governed the people.
the Four Gentlemen (plum, chrysanthemum, orchid, bamboo)
Artistic and cultural term, almost always in the compound 四君子 (しくんし). Rarely used alone.
See also: 四君子
The Four Gentlemen are a traditional subject in East Asian painting.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉を君子と称えるto praise someone as a man of virtue
His noble conduct led many people to praise him as a man of virtue.
- 君子のように振る舞うto behave like a person of virtue
Even in a difficult situation, he behaved like a man of virtue.
Expressions· 7
- 君子豹変すa wise man changes his mind, a fool never
- 梁上の君子thief; burglar · mouse
- 君子は豹変すa wise man changes his mind, a fool never; the wise adapt to changed circumstances · the wise make no scruple in suddenly changing their demeanor
- 君子は器ならずa true gentleman is well-rounded
- 君子危うきに近寄らずa wise man keeps away from danger
Show 2 moreShow fewer
- 君子の交わりは淡きこと水のごとしThe friendship between gentlemen is plain like water, and therefore enduring.
- 君子は周して比せず小人は比して周せずA wise man keeps wide company; a fool joins a clique.