Translation guide
The concept of good and evil is often expressed through paired opposites, philosophical terms, or set phrases. The most common and natural way to refer to this duality in everyday Japanese is 善悪 (zen'aku).
善悪
good and evil
Expressing the abstract duality of good and evil, morality, or ethical judgment.
The standard term for 'good and evil' as a pair. Used in discussions of morality, ethics, and judgment.
善悪の区別がつかない。
He can't tell the difference between good and evil.
善悪を超えた存在。
A being beyond good and evil.
Literally 'good and evil' with the particle と, often used when contrasting the two explicitly.
善と悪の戦い。
The battle between good and evil.
Referring to good and evil as cosmic forces, often in religious or mythological contexts.
Philosophical term for 'dualism of good and evil'.
ゾロアスター教は善悪二元論で知られる。
Zoroastrianism is known for its dualism of good and evil.
Specifically referring to the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in the Bible.
The biblical 'tree of the knowledge of good and evil'. Used in Christian contexts.
アダムとイブは善悪の知識の木の実を食べた。
Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
善悪 is the go-to word for 'good and evil' in most contexts. It's a compound of 善 (good) and 悪 (evil). Avoid literal translations like 良いと悪い, which sound unnatural.