大義名分
Meanings
just cause; good reason; pretext; justification
Refers to a morally or publicly acceptable reason for an action, often used in political, military, or organizational contexts. Can carry a nuance of a pretext or excuse when the stated reason is not the real motive.
A just cause is necessary to start a war.
He cited the economic crisis as justification for the reforms.
duty to one's country or sovereign
A more traditional, somewhat archaic sense referring to a moral obligation to serve one's country or ruler. Rare in modern everyday speech but still understood in historical or formal contexts.
For samurai, duty to their lord was absolute.
Usage patterns
- 大義名分を掲げるto hold up a just cause (as one's justification)
The company carried out layoffs under the banner of business restructuring as its justification.
- 大義名分の下に〈動詞〉to do something under the pretext/banner of a just cause
Troops were dispatched under the pretext of maintaining peace.
- 大義名分が立つto have a valid, principled justification
This gave us a solid justification for opposing it.
- 大義名分を得るto obtain a just cause/justification for an action
That statement gave him the justification he needed to attack.