Japanese word

仁

Pronunciation

Romajijin

Meaning

  • nounbenevolence

Example

儒教では、仁を大切にします。ju kyō de wa jin o tai setsu ni shi ma su

In Confucianism, people value benevolence.

Illustration for 仁 (benevolence)

More examples

日々の生活で仁を実践するのは、簡単ではありません。hi bi no sei katsu de jin o jis sen su ru no wa kan tan de wa a ri ma se n

Practicing benevolence in daily life is not easy.

Core concept

Expresses a moral commitment to regard others with compassion and respect.

Common phrases

  • 仁を実践するjin o jis sen su ru

    practice benevolence

  • 仁を重んじるjin o omo n ji ru

    value benevolence

Similar words

仁愛jinai: A humane form of love that values the welfare of other people.
思いやりomoiyari: Careful attention to another person's feelings, needs, and situation.
慈愛jiai: Tender affection that protects and cares for another person.

Definition in Japanese

人を思いやり、他人の苦しみに配慮する心。hito o omo i ya ri ta nin no kuru shi mi ni hai ryo su ru kokoro

Word origin

The Japanese noun 仁 (jin, "benevolence") uses the Sino-Japanese reading jin for the Chinese character 仁, which traditionally denotes humane concern for others.

Usage tips

  • English accounts of Confucianism sometimes translate 仁 (jin, "benevolence") as humaneness, emphasizing a moral ideal rather than a passing feeling of kindness.

Other meanings

  • compassionnoun
  • humanitynoun

Opposites

  • 不仁fujininhumanityna-adjective
  • 無慈悲mujihimercilessnessna-adjective

Related words

  • 仁者jinshabenevolent personnoun

Word lists with this word