Japanese word

道徳

Pronunciation

Romajidōtoku

Meaning

  • nounmorality

Example

学校で道徳を学びます。gak kō de dō toku o mana bi ma su

We study morality at school.

Illustration for 道徳 (morality)

More examples

社会では、道徳が大切です。sha kai de wa dō toku ga tai setsu de su

Morality is important in society.

Core concept

Describes the standards that define right and wrong and guide how people act.

Common phrases

  • 道徳を学ぶdō toku o mana bu

    study morality

  • 道徳に反するdō toku ni han su ru

    go against morality

  • 道徳の問題dō toku no mon dai

    moral issue

Similar words

倫理rinri: A system of principles that guides right and wrong conduct in a society, profession, or activity.
道義dōgi: Accepted principles of right conduct and responsibility toward others.

Definition in Japanese

人として守るべき善悪の基準や、それに基づく行動。hito to shi te mamo ru be ki zen aku no ki jun ya so re ni moto zu ku kō dō

Word origin

道 (dō, "way") and 徳 (toku, "virtue") combine in the Sino-Japanese compound 道徳 (dōtoku), linking a way of living with virtue.

Usage tips

  • Morality usually refers to a broad system of right and wrong, whereas morals are the specific principles that guide a person or group.

Other meanings

  • moralsnoun

Opposites

  • 不道徳fudōtokuimmoralna-adjective

Related words

  • 道徳的dōtokutekimoralna-adjective
  • 道徳性dōtokuseimoralitynoun

Word lists with this word