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清廉潔白 (せいれんけっぱく) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun, na-adjective
spotless integrity ; absolute honesty ; uprightness
yojijukugo (four-character idiom)
A yojijukugo describing a person of flawless moral character, free from corruption or dishonesty. Often used in formal or literary contexts to praise someone's ethical purity.
清せい 廉れん 潔けっ 白ぱく を 貫つらぬ く こと は 容よう 易い で は ない 。
It is not easy to maintain absolute honesty.
Similar words 高こう 潔けつ 高潔 also means noble and upright, but focuses more on loftiness of character, while 清廉潔白 emphasizes purity and freedom from corruption.
正しょう 直じき 正直 is a common word for honesty in everyday situations, whereas 清廉潔白 is a stronger, more formal term for impeccable moral integrity.
Etymology A yojijukugo composed of 清 (pure), 廉 (honest, inexpensive), 潔 (pure, clean), and 白 (white). The combination reinforces the idea of being untainted and morally upright. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of four-character idioms emphasizing virtue.
