How to say "upright" in Japanese

• まっすぐJLPT N5approx.Common
  na-adjective, adverb, nounCovers the literal sense: a person standing, or a pole held, straight and erect rather than bent or leaning. It is the word for physical uprightness, and can also suggest a direct manner.
  あなたはきのう放課後ほうかごまっすぐ帰宅きたくしましたか。↗

  Did you go straight home after school yesterday?
• 律儀りちぎCommon
  na-adjective, nounDescribes a person of honest, earnest character who is faithful and conscientious in doing what is right — the moral 'upright' of someone dutiful and trustworthy in everyday life.
• 清廉せいれんCommon
  na-adjective, nounUprightness as freedom from greed and corruption: honest and cleanhanded, the kind of integrity expected of officials and others who handle money or power.
• 高潔こうけつCommon
  na-adjective, nounPraises noble, high-minded virtue: uprightness of an elevated, admirable sort, a character above petty or selfish concerns. Stronger praise than plain honesty.
  このシンボルは強つよさと高潔こうけつさを表あらわす。↗

  This symbol stands for strength and integrity.
• まともCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'upright' as decent and proper: an honest, respectable sort who meets ordinary social standards. It is often used in the negative, saying someone or something is not quite right or proper.
  まともな仕事しごとにつかなければいけませんよ。↗

  You've got to get a steady job.

Use 「まっすぐ」 for physical uprightness, 律儀 for earnest honest character, 清廉 for incorruptible honesty, 高潔 for noble high-minded virtue, and 「まとも」 for being a decent, proper person.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• まっすぐstraight (ahead)
• 律義りちぎupright
• 清廉せいれんhonest
• 高潔こうけつnoble
• 実体じっていhonest
• アップライトupright
• 鉛直えんちょくupright
• 正立せいりつupright
• 縦棒たてぼうvertical line
• すっくとstraight
• すっくりstraight
• 直きなおきstraight
• 物堅いものがたいhonest
• できたof fine character
• 端然たんぜんproper (appearance, posture, etc.)
• まともhonest
• 潔いいさぎよいupright
• 端正たんせいdecent
• 竹を割ったようたけをわったよう(of a person) forward-thinking
• すぐhonest