義
Meanings
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
morality; righteousness; justice; honor
Abstract ethical principle; often used in compounds like 正義 (justice) or 義務 (duty). Can also refer to personal honor or moral obligation.
He is a man of strong moral principles.
I think about the difference between justice and righteousness.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Used in compounds like 意義 (significance) or 定義 (definition). Rarely used alone in modern Japanese; the standalone sense is mostly literary or formal.
I look up the meaning of this word.
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Buddhist context; refers to the teachings or principles of Buddhism. Often appears in compounds like 教義.
I study the teachings of Buddhism.
non-blood relationship; in-law
Used as a prefix in family terms to indicate a relationship by marriage, not by blood, e.g., 義父 (father-in-law), 義理の兄 (brother-in-law).
My mother-in-law is very kind.
prosthesis; artificial body part
Used as a prefix in medical/technical terms for artificial body parts, e.g., 義手 (artificial hand), 義足 (artificial leg).
He lost his leg in an accident and uses a prosthetic leg.
Usage patterns
- 義を重んじるto value righteousness/honor highly
He is a man who values honor above all else.
- 義に厚いto be deeply loyal and honorable
She is known as someone who is deeply loyal and honorable.
- 義を尽くすto fulfill one's duty or loyalty faithfully
He served his lord with unwavering loyalty.
- 義を貫くto hold firmly to one's principles
He stuck to his principles no matter the situation.
Expressions
- 名義でin someone else's name; under another person's name
- 義を破るbreak faith with; betray trust
- 義理にもin all conscience; in honour; in duty bound
- 章を断ち義を取るinterpret a passage out of context; quote out of context
- 義を見てせざるは勇なきなりknowing what is right and not doing it is a lack of courage