Chinese Term:
Pinyin:
义（義）
Yì
Recommended English:
Yi (recommended in philosophical and classical contexts)
Appropriateness (when emphasizing acting in a fitting or proper manner)
Righteousness (when referring to moral righteousness)
Moral Rightness (when referring to ethical judgment)
Honor (when referring to loyalty and moral obligation)
Category:
Chinese Classics
English Interpretation:
Yì (义) is one of the central concepts in Confucian thought and, together with Ren (仁) and Li (礼), forms an important foundation of Confucian ethics.
Ancient scholars explained the character simply as "Yi means appropriateness" (义者，宜也). It refers to acting in ways that are fitting, appropriate, and in harmony with circumstances, moral principles, and human relationships.
The traditional form 義 combines the characters for sheep (羊) and self (我). In traditional Chinese culture, the sheep symbolizes gentleness and kindness, reflecting the ideal of treating others with goodwill.
In later Confucian thought, Yi also came to represent moral responsibility, loyalty, and the courage to do what is right. It includes the spirit of helping others without hesitation when they are in need, giving rise to the traditional ideal of xia yi (侠义), or righteous conduct.
Its meaning should always be understood within its textual and historical context.
中文释义：
义（義）是儒家思想的重要核心概念之一，与仁、礼共同构成孔子思想的重要基础。
古人常说**“义者，宜也。”** “宜”就是合宜、适宜、恰当，表示做人做事都应符合时宜、合乎情理，而不是简单理解为现代所说的“正义”或“公义”。
繁体字義由“羊”与“我”组成。古人以羊象征温和、善良，因此也引申出与人为善的意义。
在儒家经典中，“义”进一步发展为道义、责任、担当以及行为准则；在中国传统文化中，又引申出侠义精神，即见义勇为、义不容辞、扶危济困的品格。
理解“义”的含义，应结合具体经典及其历史背景，而不宜作单一而固定的解释。
Translation Note | 翻译说明：
There is no single English equivalent for Yi.
Although Righteousness is the most common translation, it captures only part of the original meaning. In classical Chinese, Yi primarily refers to appropriateness, acting according to what is fitting, and fulfilling one's moral responsibilities. Depending on the context, it may also express righteousness, honor, integrity, or righteous conduct.
IAK therefore recommends selecting the English translation according to context rather than adopting a single fixed equivalent. In philosophical discussions or when preserving the original meaning of classical Chinese texts, retaining the transliterated form Yi is often the most accurate choice.
“义”没有唯一对应的英文词汇。
虽然 Righteousness 是最常见的译法，但它只能表达“义”的部分内涵。在中国经典中，“义”首先表示“宜”，即合宜、适宜、合乎情理；进一步则表示道义、责任、担当以及行为应遵循的准则，并引申出侠义精神。
因此，IAK 建议根据具体语境选择相应的英文译法，而不采用固定的单一对应词。在哲学讨论或需要保留中国经典原意的场合，可直接采用音译 Yi，以更准确地表达这一概念。
Classical Source:
Analects《论语》
君子喻于义，小人喻于利。
A noble person is guided by Yi(what is right), while a petty person is driven by personal gain.
Mencius《孟子》
生，亦我所欲也；义，亦我所欲也。二者不可得兼，舍生而取义者也。
Both life and Yi are precious, but when the two cannot be preserved together, one should choose Yi over life.
The Book of Rites《礼记》
君子义以为质。
Yi is the fundamental basis upon which a noble person conducts oneself.
Related Terms:
道
德
仁
礼
智
信
中
和