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.
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 is a man who values honor above all else.
He is a man of strong moral principles.
I think about the difference between justice and righteousness.
I study the teachings of Buddhism.
He lost his leg in an accident and uses a prosthetic leg.
She is known as someone who is deeply loyal and honorable.
He served his lord with unwavering loyalty.
He stuck to his principles no matter the situation.
意義 means significance or meaning and is commonly used alone, while 義 in this sense is rare outside compounds and feels literary.
義務 names a concrete duty or obligation (often legal or social), whereas 義 is the underlying sense of moral rightness that such duties spring from.
The kanji 義 is composed of 羊 (sheep) and 我 (self), originally suggesting a sacrificial ritual, later extended to mean 'righteousness' or 'morality'. The reading ぎ is the Sino-Japanese on'yomi.
father-in-law · foster father · stepfather
meaningful; significant; worthwhile
mother-in-law · foster mother · stepmother
doctrine; creed; dogma
secret techniques; inner mysteries; essence
loyalty; devotion
obligation; mandating; requirement
same meaning; synonymy
brother-in-law (spouse's older brother or older sister's husband) · older stepbrother
great cause; moral law; justice
sister-in-law (older) · older stepsister; older adopted sister; non-blood-related older sister
broad sense; wide meaning
donation money; relief contribution
humanity and justice; virtue · duty; moral obligation · formal greeting (underworld) · gang's moral code
morality; moral principles
artificial hand; artificial arm; prosthetic hand
doubt; question; reservation
faith; fidelity; loyalty
artificial leg; prosthetic leg
antonym
sister-in-law (spouse's younger sister or younger brother's wife) · younger stepsister; younger adopted sister; non-blood-related younger sister
popularization; simplification; explaining in simple language · historical novel; popular history adaptation (esp. Chinese)