Japanese word

義理

Pronunciation

Romajigiri

Meaning

  • noundebt of gratitude

Example

彼に助けてもらい、義理を感じています。kare ni tasu ke te mo ra i gi ri o kan ji te i ma su

I feel a debt of gratitude to him for helping me.

Illustration for 義理 (debt of gratitude)

More examples

忙しくても、招待してくれた人への義理を欠かないようにしています。isoga shi ku te mo shō tai shi te ku re ta hito e no gi ri o ka ka na i yō ni shi te i ma su

Even when I am busy, I make sure not to neglect my obligation to people who have invited me.

Core concept

It describes the expected response that binds people through favors, relationships, and proper social conduct.

Common phrases

  • 義理があるgi ri ga a ru

    owe a debt of gratitude

  • 義理に厚いgi ri ni atsu i

    be mindful of one's obligations

  • 義理を欠くgi ri o ka ku

    fail to show courtesy

Similar words

恩義ongi: An obligation of gratitude arising from another person's help or favor.
義務gimu: An obligation imposed by a role, rule, or accepted moral standard.

Definition in Japanese

受けた恩に報い、または人間関係を保つために果たすべき務め。u ke ta on ni muku i ma ta wa nin gen kan kei o tamo tsu ta me ni ha ta su be ki tsuto me

Word origin

義理 (giri) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 義 (gi, "righteousness") and 理 (ri, "reason or principle"), expressing an obligation grounded in proper relationships.

Usage tips

  • In explanations of Japanese culture, 義理 (giri) is often contrasted with 人情 (ninjō, "personal feeling"), highlighting the tension between social duty and private emotion.

Other meanings

  • social obligationnoun
  • courtesynoun

Word lists with this word