noun
Refers to a strong sense of allegiance or faithfulness, often toward a person, group, or cause. Commonly used in formal or literary contexts.
彼は主君に忠を尽くした。
He served his lord with loyalty.
忠の心を忘れてはいけない。
You must not forget the spirit of loyalty.
noun
inspector of the Imperial Prosecuting and Investigating Office (ritsuryō system)
Historical official title under the ritsuryō legal system. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical references.
律令制では、忠は弾正台の役職の一つだった。
Under the ritsuryō system, 忠 was one of the posts in the Imperial Prosecuting and Investigating Office.
忠誠 is a more common and concrete term for loyalty, often used in modern contexts, while 忠 is more abstract and literary.
忠義 emphasizes loyalty and righteousness, often with a feudal or samurai connotation, whereas 忠 is a broader, more general term for faithfulness.
The kanji 忠 combines 心 (heart) and 中 (center), suggesting a heart centered on duty. The word ちゅう is the on'yomi reading, used in compounds and as a standalone noun.