Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'moral education' is most commonly expressed as a school subject or broader ethical cultivation. The standard term is 道徳教育, but related words like 修身 and 道徳 also appear depending on context.
Referring to moral education as a class or formal part of the school curriculum.
The standard term for moral education as a school subject. Used in official contexts and everyday conversation about schooling.
日本の小学校では道徳教育が必修です。
Moral education is compulsory in Japanese elementary schools.
道徳教育の時間にいじめについて話し合った。
We discussed bullying during moral education class.
Often used as a shorthand for the school subject, especially in timetables or casual conversation. Can also mean 'morals' or 'ethics' more broadly.
次の時間は道徳だ。
Next period is moral education.
Historical term for moral education used in pre-war Japan. Now only used when referring to that era or in very traditional contexts.
戦前の修身の教科書には忠義が強調されていた。
Pre-war moral education textbooks emphasized loyalty.
Referring to moral education as a general concept of teaching ethics, values, or character, not limited to a school subject.
Also used for moral education in a broader sense, such as in families, communities, or organizations.
家庭での道徳教育も重要です。
Moral education at home is also important.
Literally 'education of the heart/mind'. Emphasizes emotional and moral development, often used in discussions about holistic education.
心の教育を重視する学校が増えている。
More schools are emphasizing moral (heart) education.
Literally 'human education'. Focuses on developing the whole person, including moral and ethical aspects. Used in educational philosophy.
この学校は人間教育に力を入れている。
This school puts effort into humanistic (moral) education.
Referring to the act of imparting a particular moral lesson or value, often in a parenting or mentoring context.
Directly 'to teach morals'. Used when someone is explicitly instructing about right and wrong.
親は子供に道徳を教える責任がある。
Parents have a responsibility to teach their children morals.
Similar to 道徳を教える but with a slightly more formal or philosophical nuance, closer to 'ethics'.
会社で倫理を教える研修が行われた。
A training session was held at the company to teach ethics.
道徳教育 is the modern term used in post-war Japan. 修身 was the pre-war subject and carries historical connotations. Use 道徳教育 unless specifically discussing the pre-war period.
The English word 'moral' can be translated as 道徳 (morals) or 倫理 (ethics). 道徳教育 specifically refers to education in morals, not just the abstract concept of morality.
子供にとって道徳教育は大切です。
Moral education is important for children.
今日は道徳の授業があった。
We had a moral education class today.