美徳|びとくbitoku[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounvirtue
   きれい好すきは敬神けいしんに次つぐ美徳びとく。↗

   Cleanliness is next to godliness.

• Synonym善ぜんNeutralThe good — good things or goodness, as opposed to evil. A bare, abstract single character, unlike 「美徳」, which names a praiseworthy virtue.
• Synonym徳行とっこうWrittenVirtuous conduct that accords with morality. Tends toward written/formal prose, and it names deeds, not a praiseworthy virtue like 「美徳」.
• Synonym徳とくNeutralVirtue or excellent character, but also benefit or gain (「得」). A bare, abstract single character; 「美徳」 refers to a concrete, praiseworthy virtue.
• Synonym明徳めいとくWrittenWritten/formal: innate luminous virtue or outstanding character, mostly seen in classical texts. 「美徳」 is far more common in everyday use.
• Synonym美質びしつWrittenExcellent qualities of a person or thing. Written/formal prose, and unlike 「美徳」 it does not specifically mean a praiseworthy virtue.
• Related道徳どうとくNeutralMoral norms — the standards people should follow — and also the school subject of moral education. Unlike 「美徳」, it is not a praiseworthy virtue.
• Related徳義とくぎWrittenThe moral duties one is bound to observe. Written/formal prose, and unlike 「美徳」 it does not name a praiseworthy virtue.
• Related功徳くどくNeutralMerit — good deeds that bring reward in this life or the next. Carries a Buddhist flavor, unlike 「美徳」, which is a praiseworthy virtue in general use.
• Related篤行とっこうWrittenSincere, warm-hearted good conduct. Written/formal prose, and it denotes deeds rather than a praiseworthy virtue like 「美徳」.
• Related善心ぜんしんNeutralA kind, good heart. Focuses on the inner mind, unlike 「美徳」, which refers to praiseworthy virtue.
• Related道心どうしんWrittenMoral sense or conscience, and in Buddhist usage the heart that seeks the Buddhist path. Unlike 「美徳」, it is not a praiseworthy virtue.
• Antonym悪徳あくとくNeutralThe antonym: vice or wicked conduct. Stands directly opposite 「美徳」, as in 「悪徳業者」.

Use 「美徳」 for a praiseworthy virtue or admirable quality, as in 「謙遜は美徳だ」. For character in general say 「徳」, for moral norms 「道徳」, for virtuous deeds 「徳行」; the antonym is 「悪徳」.

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

1. 道徳どうとくにかなった良よい行おこない。