Japanese Conversation · Level 123
60 words
Japanese word
善
Pronunciation
Romajizen
Meaning
- noungoodness
Example
善を重んじる人は信頼されます。zen o omo n ji ru hito wa shin rai sa re ma su
People who value goodness are trusted.
More examples
彼は難しい状況でも、善を選ぶ勇気を持っています。kare wa muzuka shi i jō kyō de mo zen o era bu yū ki o mo tte i ma su
Even in difficult situations, he has the courage to choose goodness.
Core concept
Refers to the inner quality and outward conduct that are considered morally right and beneficial.
Common phrases
善を説くzen o to ku
preach goodness
善を積むzen o tsu mu
do good deeds
善と悪を区別するzen to aku o ku betsu su ru
distinguish good from evil
Similar words
徳toku: A moral quality that guides a person toward right conduct.
美徳bitoku: A valued moral quality shown in a person's character or actions.
善良さzenryōsa: The quality of being kind, honest, and morally good.
Definition in Japanese
人や行為が道徳的に正しく、望ましい性質を備えていること。hito ya kō i ga dō toku teki ni tada shi ku nozo ma shi i sei shitsu o sona e te i ru ko to
Word origin
The noun 善 (zen, "goodness") is Sino-Japanese and comes from the Chinese-derived character 善, which expresses moral goodness and rightness.
Usage tips
- The same pronunciation appears in 善 (zen) for goodness and 禅 (zen) for Zen Buddhism, but the different characters mark different words.
Other meanings
- virtuenoun
- goodnoun
Opposites
- 悪akuevilnoun