忠義|ちゅうぎchuugi[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. na-adjective, nounloyalty; devotion

• Synonym忠実ちゅうじつNeutralBroader than 「忠義」: faithfulness in doing one's duties, or accuracy as in 「原作に忠実」; 「忠義」 is reserved for devotion to one's lord.
• Synonym忠誠ちゅうせいNeutralAllegiance in modern usage, as in 「忠誠を誓う」; the object can be a country or organization rather than a lord.
• Synonym忠順ちゅうじゅんWrittenWritten/formal prose and rather rare; loyalty shown as obedient compliance with orders. Unlike 「忠義」, it is not tied to devotion to a lord.
• Synonym忠良ちゅうりょうWrittenOld-fashioned written word for loyalty combined with goodness, mostly in 「忠良な臣民」.
• Synonym忠勤ちゅうきんWrittenWritten and rare; faithful, diligent service in one's duties. Unlike 「忠義」, it does not specifically mean devotion to a lord.
• Synonym忠節ちゅうせつWrittenWritten/formal; loyalty to a lord as a point of honor, stressing unswerving integrity. Close in meaning to 「忠義」.
• Synonym忠義立てちゅうぎだてNeutralDeliberately making a show of loyalty, often with a sarcastic edge; 「忠義」 itself is the sincere devotion.
• Synonym誠忠せいちゅうWrittenArchaic written word for heartfelt loyalty; close to 「忠義」 but with even more emphasis on sincerity.
• Synonym忠ちゅうWrittenWritten/formal; the single character is often found as an element in compounds, and unlike 「忠義」 it is not limited to devotion to a lord.
• Related律儀りちぎNeutralAbout an honest, dutiful person who honors obligations; it praises upright character, not devotion to a lord as 「忠義」 does.
• Related誠実せいじつNeutralSincerity and honesty in words and deeds; no master–vassal nuance, unlike 「忠義」.
• Related信義しんぎWrittenWritten/formal; centers on keeping promises and acting honorably, as in 「信義を守る」.
• Related献身けんしんNeutralSelf-sacrificing dedication to other people or causes; the devotion is general, not specifically to a lord as in 「忠義」.
• Related篤実とくじつWrittenWritten/formal; a warm, earnest, honest character. It praises personal decency, not loyalty to a lord.
• Related物堅いものがたいNeutralAn adjective for a sober, trustworthy, straight-laced person; it stresses reliability, not devotion to a lord.
• Related貞実ていじつWrittenWritten/formal; unwavering love and fidelity between husband and wife — marital, not loyalty to a lord.
• Antonym反逆はんぎゃくNeutralAntonym: treason or rebellion against a ruler or lord — the very act 「忠義」 stands against.
• Antonym不忠ふちゅうNeutralAntonym: disloyalty or unfaithfulness, the opposite of the devotion to one's lord that 「忠義」 expresses.

Use 「忠義」 for wholehearted devotion to one's lord, with a samurai-era flavor, as in 「忠義を尽くす」. For modern allegiance to a country or organization pick 「忠誠」; for faithfulness in duties or to the original, 「忠実」; for an honest, dutiful character, 「律儀」. 「忠節」 and 「誠忠」 are written words close to 「忠義」; 「忠義立て」 is a show of loyalty, often sarcastic. Antonyms: 「不忠」, 「反逆」.

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

1. 自みずからの主ぬしに対たいして誠意せいいをもって自身じしんの務つとめを果はたすこと。