義憤

• Reading: ぎふん
• Romaji: gifun
• Kanji breakdown: 義 (gi) — righteousness, justice; 憤 (fun) — indignation, resentment
• Pronunciation: /ɡi.ɸɯ.ɴ/

Meaning

Righteous indignation; moral outrage. Anger that arises not from personal injury but from witnessing injustice or a violation of ethical principles.

A noun formed from 義 (righteousness) and 憤 (indignation). Unlike ordinary 怒り, 義憤 is morally motivated and socially directed. The phrase 義憤に駆られる (to be driven by righteous indignation) captures the impulse to act against injustice. Used in formal writing, journalism, and political contexts.

Examples

1. 不正を目の当たりにして、胸の中に義憤が燃え上がった。 Witnessing the injustice firsthand, righteous indignation blazed up within me.
2. 彼女は義憤に駆られて、告発状を書いた。 Driven by moral outrage, she wrote a formal accusation.
3. 社会の理不尽さに対する義憤が、彼を行動へと駆り立てた。 His indignation at society's absurdities spurred him into action.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, ethics, journalism

Tone: principled

Origin & History

From 義 (gi) meaning 'righteousness' or 'justice' and 憤 (fun) meaning 'indignation' or 'resentment.' The compound has roots in Confucian ethics, where acting on moral anger was considered a virtue.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated