# 義 righteousness

羊 (sheep) + 我 (we)
★★★★☆
13 strokes
BETA ILL PAIR STRONG

## Onyomi

GI | GEESE are not righteous. They are the rudest Canadians.

## Mnemonic

| We are most righteous when we act like conformist sheep.

## Jukugo

XXX 主義(しゅぎ) | - ism ★★★☆☆ SUF 主 (master/mainly) + 義 (righteousness) = 主義 (- ism) SUFFIX meaning 'ism'. As in capitalism, communism, materialism, and a Japanese grindcore band called 'intestine baalism.'
義務(ぎむ) | social obligation ★★★☆☆ 義 (righteousness) + 務 (perform a task) = 義務 (social obligation) an obligation to society - like voting, paying taxes, going to school, or in some cases, the army.
義理(ぎり) | obligation ★★☆☆☆ CCW 義 (righteousness) + 理 (reason) = 義理 (obligation) obligation or honor debt. Like, you went to my band's show now I have to go to your band's show even though you guys are really terrible.
定義(ていぎ) | definition ★★☆☆☆ 定 (plan) + 義 (righteousness) = 定義 (definition) a definition (hey! recursion!)

## Lookalikes

| Meaning | Hint | Radical
--- | --- | --- | ---
議 | discussion | SPEAK | 言
儀 | politeness | PERSONs. | 人
義 | righteousness | NO LEFT RADICAL |

You discuss things when you SPEAK.

Righteousness is something you have inside you, but politeness is how you treat other PERSONs.

That's why righteous has no left radical ! It's an INTERNAL virtue.

## Used In

- 儀
- 議
- 犠

## Synonyms

gratitude, obligation 感謝 恩 恩恵 義理 義務
speech 講演 講義 セミナー 演説