Justice is the moral principle of doing what is right and fair.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Moral righteousness or fairness in society.
- Often used to describe ethical conduct.
- Refers to what is considered morally correct.
概要
「正義」とは、社会や個人の行動において、何が正しく、何が公正であるかという道徳的な判断基準を指します。法的な正当性だけでなく、倫理観や信念に基づいた「善」を追求する姿勢を表す重要な概念です。2) 使用パターン: 「正義を行う」「正義を貫く」「正義の味方」のように、動詞や名詞と組み合わせて使われます。また、「正義感」という言葉は、その人がどれだけ正義を重んじるかという性質を表す際によく使われます。3) 一般的な文脈: ニュースや政治の議論、映画やアニメの物語、日常の友人関係など、幅広い場面で登場します。特に、対立する二つの意見があるときに、「どちらが正義か」を問うような文脈で頻繁に使用されます。4) 類語との比較: 「公平（こうへい）」は偏りがないことを指し、「公正（こうせい）」はルールに基づいた正しさを指します。「正義」はそれらよりも、個人の信念や道徳的な重みが強い言葉です。
Examples
彼は自分なりの正義を持っている。
everydayHe has his own sense of justice.
社会の正義を守るのが警察の役割だ。
formalIt is the police's role to protect social justice.
あのアニメの主人公は正義の味方だ。
informalThe protagonist of that anime is a hero of justice.
法と正義の概念について論じる。
academicDiscussing the concepts of law and justice.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
正義は勝つ
Justice will prevail
正義を振りかざす
to impose one's own sense of justice on others
正義の執行
execution of justice
Often Confused With
Refers specifically to a correct answer to a question or problem. It is objective and factual, unlike the subjective moral nature of justice.
Refers to impartiality and lack of bias. While justice often includes fairness, '公平' is strictly about the absence of discrimination.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '正義' is a formal noun that carries significant weight. It is frequently used in philosophical discussions, literature, and formal speeches. In casual conversation, it is mostly reserved for discussing characters in media or strong personal beliefs.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use '正義' when they mean 'correct answer' (正解). Remember that '正義' is about ethics, not factual correctness. Also, avoid using it to describe simple everyday tasks.
Tips
Use with strong verbs
Pair '正義' with verbs like '貫く' (to uphold) or '守る' (to protect) to sound more natural. This highlights the effort involved in maintaining your principles.
Avoid overusing in casual talk
Using '正義' in casual situations can sound overly dramatic or heavy. Use it primarily in serious discussions or when talking about fictional characters.
Heroes and Justice
In Japanese pop culture, the term '正義の味方' (ally of justice) is famously used for superheroes. It represents a classic trope of fighting for the weak.
Word Origin
The word is composed of '正' (correct/right) and '義' (morality/duty). Historically, it combines the concept of correctness with the duty one owes to society or ethical standards.
Cultural Context
In Japanese culture, '正義' is deeply linked to the 'Bushido' code of the samurai, where righteousness was the first principle. Modern usage often reflects this historical gravity.
Memory Tip
Think of a superhero standing tall for what is right. 'Seigi' sounds like 'Say-G' (Say the good), reminding you to speak up for what is good.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions「正解」はテストの答えのように唯一の正しい結果を指しますが、「正義」は道徳的な価値観や信念に基づく正しい行いを指します。
悪いことを見過ごせない人や、正しいことをしようとする強い意志を持つ人に対して「あの人は正義感が強い」と褒めたり評価したりする時に使います。
はい、物語の感想や社会的な議論の際によく使われます。ただし、重いテーマになることが多いので、軽い話題ではあまり使われません。
はい、正しいです。人によって大切にする価値観が異なるため、個人の主観的な信念を指す際に「自分の正義」という表現はよく使われます。
Test Yourself
彼はどんな困難があっても自分の___を貫いた。
信念を貫くという文脈では「正義」が最も適切です。
「彼は___が強い」と言われる時、どのような人ですか？
人の性格を表す際に「正義感が強い」という慣用表現が使われます。
（ために / 彼は / 正義を / 守る / 戦った）
目的を先に述べ、最後に動作を置くのが自然な日本語です。
Score: /3
Summary
Justice is the moral principle of doing what is right and fair.
- Moral righteousness or fairness in society.
- Often used to describe ethical conduct.
- Refers to what is considered morally correct.
Use with strong verbs
Pair '正義' with verbs like '貫く' (to uphold) or '守る' (to protect) to sound more natural. This highlights the effort involved in maintaining your principles.
Avoid overusing in casual talk
Using '正義' in casual situations can sound overly dramatic or heavy. Use it primarily in serious discussions or when talking about fictional characters.
Heroes and Justice
In Japanese pop culture, the term '正義の味方' (ally of justice) is famously used for superheroes. It represents a classic trope of fighting for the weak.
Examples
4 of 4彼は自分なりの正義を持っている。
He has his own sense of justice.
社会の正義を守るのが警察の役割だ。
It is the police's role to protect social justice.
あのアニメの主人公は正義の味方だ。
The protagonist of that anime is a hero of justice.
法と正義の概念について論じる。
Discussing the concepts of law and justice.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More emotions words
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
