Meaning
Justice, righteousness, morality, duty, honor. Used in concepts like loyalty, noble cause, or moral obligation.
- 正義 — justice
- 義務 — duty, obligation
- 義理 — obligation, social duty
- 義兄 — brother-in-law
- 義勇 — loyalty, bravery for justice
- 講義 — lecture
This kanji combines 羊 (sheep) and 我 (I, weapon form), suggesting a moral or sacrificial offering — a symbol of justice or righteousness. It represents doing what is ethically correct even when it's difficult or inconvenient.
彼は 正義のために 戦った。
He fought for justice.
社会には 義務と 権利のバランスが 必要だ。
Society needs a balance between duties and rights.
The on-yomi ギ is used in almost all cases. There is no widely-used kun-yomi. The kanji appears frequently in abstract or moral contexts.