How to say "justice" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 正義せいぎnounJustice as a moral ideal: the abstract principle of what is right and wrong. This is the word you want when English 'justice' means moral rightness or righteousness.
- 公正こうせいnoun, na-adjectiveJustice as fairness and impartiality: unbiased judgment and even-handed treatment of people. Use it when English 'justice' means fair decisions and fair process, as in a court of law.
- 公平こうへいnoun, na-adjectiveFairness as even-handedness: treating everyone alike, without favouritism or bias. Very close to 公正 and often interchangeable with it; its link to 'justice' is this fair-treatment sense.
- 義ぎno-adjectiveMorality, righteousness and honour rather than everyday 'justice'. As a standalone word it is seldom what you want for 'justice'; use 正義 instead.
- 大義たいぎnounA great cause or moral principle — 'justice' as something people fight or act for, not fairness in everyday dealings. Use it for the lofty justice of a cause, not for ordinary right and wrong.
Use 正義 for justice as a moral ideal, 公正 or 公平 for justice as fair, impartial treatment, and 大義 for the lofty justice of a great cause; 義 alone is seldom the word for 'justice'.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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