義理

• Reading: ぎり
• Romaji: giri
• Kanji breakdown: 義 (righteousness/justice) + 理 (reason/principle) → righteous principle, social duty
• Pronunciation: /ɡi.ɾi/

Meaning

Social obligation or duty; the sense of indebtedness that compels you to reciprocate favours and maintain social bonds.

義理 governs much of Japanese social interaction, from giving return gifts to attending funerals of distant acquaintances. It can feel burdensome (義理で行く = going out of obligation) but also serves as social glue. In modern casual speech, 義理 often appears with a slightly weary or resigned tone, acknowledging the weight of social expectations.

Examples

1. 義理で参加してるだけだから早く帰りたい。 I'm only here out of obligation so I want to leave early.
2. 義理を欠くわけにはいかないから、お返しちゃんとしないと。 I can't neglect my social duties — I need to properly give a return gift.
3. 義理堅い人だから、絶対に恩は忘れないよ。 He's a man of duty — he never forgets a favor.

Usage Guide

Context: social obligations, gift-giving, workplace relationships, cultural discussion

Tone: dutiful, sometimes resigned

Do Say

• 義理堅いね、ちゃんとお返ししてて (You're so dutiful, properly giving return gifts)
• 義理で行くんだけど正直めんどくさい (I'm going out of obligation but honestly it's a hassle)

Don't Say

• 「義理で来ました」と本人の前で言うのは失礼 (Saying 'I came out of obligation' in front of the person is rude)

Common Mistakes

• Confusing 義理 with genuine affection — 義理 specifically implies doing something because social norms require it
• Not understanding compound words like 義理チョコ or 義理堅い where 義理 modifies the meaning significantly

Origin & History

From Confucian ethics: 義 (righteousness/justice) + 理 (reason/logic). Central to the Japanese social contract, governing reciprocal obligations. Extensively studied by Ruth Benedict in 'The Chrysanthemum and the Sword' (1946).

Cultural Context

Era: Confucian origins, foundational to Japanese social structure

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Regional notes: Used across all of Japan. Understanding 義理 is essential for navigating Japanese social and business relationships.