Translation guide
The English word 'moral' can refer to the lesson of a story, ethical principles, or personal standards of behavior. This guide helps learners express these ideas naturally in Japanese.
The practical lesson or message conveyed by a story, fable, or experience.
The most common and direct translation for the lesson or moral of a story. Used in both spoken and written contexts.
この話の教訓は何ですか？
What is the moral of this story?
彼は失敗から大切な教訓を得た。
He learned an important lesson from his failure.
Literally 'teaching', often used for the moral or lesson imparted by a story or a person. Slightly more general than 教訓.
この昔話の教えは「正直が一番」です。
The moral of this old tale is 'honesty is the best policy'.
A principle concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior.
Refers to morality or ethics as a system. Commonly used in discussions of moral philosophy, education, and social norms.
道徳は社会の基盤です。
Morality is the foundation of society.
彼は道徳に反する行為をした。
He acted against moral principles.
Often used for ethics in a more formal, philosophical, or professional context (e.g., medical ethics, business ethics).
Loanword from English, often used for personal or societal moral standards, especially in casual or media contexts.
An individual's internal sense of what is right or wrong, often used in the plural 'morals'.
Refers to one's moral sense or moral values. Commonly used to describe a person's ethical standards.
彼はしっかりした道徳観を持っている。
He has strong moral values.
Similar to 道徳観 but often implies a more reasoned or professional ethical sense.
医者としての倫理観が欠けている。
He lacks a doctor's moral sense.
Also used for personal moral standards, especially in casual speech.
Note: 'moral' is sometimes confused with 'morale'. This meaning is included for clarity.
This means 'morale', not 'moral'. Use only when the intended meaning is team spirit or confidence.
Do not use 士気 for 'moral' as in ethical principle. It only means 'morale'.
チームの士気が高い。
The team's morale is high.
道徳 (どうとく) refers to commonly accepted social morals, while 倫理 (りんり) often refers to systematic ethics or professional codes. In everyday conversation, 道徳 is more common for general morality.
English 'moral' (ethical) and 'morale' (spirit) are different words. In Japanese, 士気 (しき) means 'morale', not 'moral'. Use 道徳 or 教訓 for 'moral'.
その話の教訓は何ですか？
What's the moral of the story?
彼は道徳観がない。
He has no morals.
それは道徳的な義務です。
It's a moral obligation.
Corporate ethics are being questioned.
It's said that young people these days have low morals.
She acted according to her own morals.