正義
seigi[se̞ːɡʲi]
The English word 'justice' is translated into Japanese as 正義 (seigi).
正義 is a common term used to express justice, righteousness, fairness and moral integrity. It can also be used in specific phrases, such as 正義感 to mean a 'sense of justice' or 正義を守る to mean 'uphold justice'.
Meaning: fairness, especially with regard to punishment (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 正義 is composed of the characters 正 (meaning correct or righteous) and 義 (meaning justice, duty or righteousness).
How do you pronounce it?
seigi
Did you know?
- Long before it meant 'fairness' or 'law', 正義 was used to describe the 'correct meaning' of an ancient text.
- The word 正義 is often used in Japanese media to describe the tropes of 'good vs. evil' in superheroes or tokusatsu shows.
- While 正義 covers moral righteousness, Japanese uses a different term, 公正, when referring specifically to impartiality or 'fair play' in a competition.
Examples in context
- 最後には正義は勝つものだ。Justice will prevail in the end.This sentence shows how to express that justice will prevail in the end using 正義.Tatoeba #170577 by KK_kaku_, translation #243905 by CM
- この世に、正義なんて存在しないさ。There's no justice in this world.This sentence uses 正義 to express the idea that there is no justice in the world.Tatoeba #10732712 by small_snow, translation #6575905 by Eccles17
- 正義が行動によって表される。Justice is expressed through actions.This sentence demonstrates how justice is expressed through actions using 正義.Tatoeba #74747 by fcbond, translation #328972 by fcbond
- これは正義だ！This is justice!
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a social issues topic in class.
- 結衣 Yui正義とは何だと思いますか？Seigi to wa nan da to omoimasu ka?What do you think justice is?
- 健太 Kenta難しい質問ですね。Muzukashii shitsumon desu ne.That is a difficult question.
- 結衣 Yui健太さんは正義を信じていますか？Kenta-san wa seigi o shinjite imasu ka?Do you believe in justice, Kenta?
- 健太 Kentaはい、信じています。Hai, shinjite imasu.Yes, I do.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “justice” translations and entries 正義, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 正義, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
