君子

• ピンイン: jūn zǐ
• 漢字の分解: 君 = 尹 (to govern) + 口 (mouth) — ruler, lord; 子 = pictograph of a child — son, person

意味

君子（徳のある人）

A key concept in Confucian philosophy referring to an ideal person of moral integrity, cultivation, and social responsibility. Originally meant 'ruler's son' but evolved to describe anyone who embodies virtue regardless of birth. Contrasted with 小人 (petty person). Appears in many proverbs and expressions: 君子之交淡如水 (a gentleman's friendship is plain as water), 君子一言驷马难追 (a gentleman's word is his bond).

例文

1. 古人云，君子坦荡荡，小人长戚戚。
2. 他是个真君子，从不背后说人坏话。
3. 君子爱财取之有道，不义之财我们不能要。

使い方ガイド

場面: philosophy, morality, traditional values, praise

トーン: elevated

正しい言い方

• 君子一言驷马难追。(A gentleman's word is his bond — once spoken, even four horses cannot catch it.)
• 他为人正派，堪称君子。(He is upright in character — a true gentleman.)

避ける言い方

• 她是个女君子。(君子 is traditionally masculine; for a virtuous woman, use 淑女 or simply describe her virtues directly)

起源と歴史

君 (ruler, monarch — from 尹 governing + 口 mouth) + 子 (son, person). Originally 'son of a ruler,' evolved in Confucian thought to mean any morally cultivated person.

文化的背景

時代: Confucian classics, Spring and Autumn period onwards

世代: All ages

社会的背景: Universal