Translation guide
The English word "morals" refers to principles of right and wrong behavior. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 道徳 (dōtoku), but depending on context, other terms like 倫理 (rinri) or モラル (moraru) may be used. This guide helps you choose the right word for different situations.
Referring to a person's or society's standards of good behavior, often in everyday contexts.
The most common and general term for morals or morality. Used in both personal and social contexts.
彼は道徳に反する行為をした。
He acted against morals.
道徳教育は重要だ。
Moral education is important.
Loanword from English, often used for social morals or public decency. Slightly more casual and modern feel.
最近、若者のモラルが低下している。
Recently, the morals of young people have been declining.
Refers to ethics, often in a more formal, philosophical, or professional context. Not typically used for personal morals.
医療倫理について議論する。
We discuss medical ethics.
Describing an individual's inner sense of right and wrong, often in phrases like "loose morals" or "high morals."
Moral sense or moral consciousness. Used to talk about a person's inner moral compass.
彼女は道徳心が強い。
She has strong morals.
Ethical viewpoint or sense of ethics. Often used in professional or academic settings.
The lesson or message about right and wrong in a story or fable.
The lesson or moral of a story. This is the standard term.
この話の教訓は何ですか？
What is the moral of this story?
道徳 (dōtoku) is the general term for morals in daily life. 倫理 (rinri) is more formal and often used for professional or philosophical ethics. モラル (moraru) is a loanword that often implies social norms or public decency, and can sound more casual.
While 倫理 can be translated as "ethics" or "morals," it is not natural for talking about an individual's personal moral character. Use 道徳 or 道徳心 instead.
彼の倫理観は立派だ。
His morals are admirable.