Translation guide
The ability to distinguish right from wrong; conscience or ethical awareness.
The internal voice or feeling that tells you what is morally right or wrong.
The most common and direct equivalent for 'conscience' or 'moral sense'. Used in everyday and formal contexts.
The capacity to recognize moral issues or be sensitive to ethical dimensions of a situation.
An internalized set of moral principles that guides behavior.
One's moral outlook or moral values. Similar to 'moral compass'.
彼はしっかりした道徳観を持っている。
He has a solid moral sense.
良心 (conscience) is the most common and personal term. 道徳心 (moral sense) is slightly more abstract and often used in educational contexts. 倫理観 (ethical sense) is more formal and associated with societal or professional ethics.
English 'moral sense' can often be translated as 良心 when referring to an inner voice. For broader ethical awareness, 道徳意識 or 倫理観 may be more appropriate. Avoid literal translations like 道徳感覚, which is not natural.
彼は良心に従って行動した。
He acted according to his conscience.
良心の呵責を感じる。
I feel pangs of conscience.
Literally 'moral heart/mind'. Refers to one's moral sense or ethical sensibility. Slightly more formal and abstract than 良心.
彼は道徳心が強い。
He has a strong moral sense.
Refers to one's sense of ethics or ethical standards. Often used in discussions of professional or societal ethics.
彼の倫理観は立派だ。
His moral sense is admirable.
Literally 'judgment of good and evil'. Used when talking about the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
子供に善悪の判断を教える。
Teach children a moral sense (the ability to judge right and wrong).
Moral awareness or consciousness. Often used in educational or psychological contexts.
道徳意識を高める教育が必要だ。
Education that raises moral awareness is necessary.
Ethical awareness. Similar to 道徳意識 but more associated with professional or philosophical ethics.
企業の倫理意識が問われている。
The moral sense of corporations is being questioned.
Ethical standards. More formal, often used in institutional or professional contexts.
高い倫理基準を維持する。
Maintain a high moral sense (ethical standards).