義理

• Reading: ぎり
• Romaji: giri
• Kanji breakdown: 義 (gi) — righteousness, duty; 理 (ri) — reason, principle
• Pronunciation: /ɡi.ɾi/

Meaning

Social duty; obligation rooted in relationships and social norms rather than personal desire or law. A felt sense of indebtedness or courtesy toward others.

A central concept in Japanese social culture, 義理 refers to the felt obligation to fulfil social expectations — returning favours, attending events, giving gifts, or maintaining relationships out of social duty even when one might prefer not to. Often contrasted with 人情 (ninjo, personal feeling/sympathy) in the classic conflict between social duty and personal emotion. Gives rise to expressions like 義理チョコ (obligatory Valentine's Day chocolate given to male colleagues out of social duty rather than affection).

Examples

1. 義理で出席した同僚の結婚式だったが、思いのほか楽しむことができた。 It was a colleague's wedding I attended out of social obligation, but I ended up enjoying it more than expected.
2. 義理と人情の板挟みになりながら、彼女はどちらを優先すべきか悩み続けた。 Caught between social duty and personal feeling, she continued to agonise over which to prioritise.
3. 現代では義理チョコの文化が薄れ、本命チョコを渡す人が増えているそうだ。 It seems that in the modern era, the culture of obligatory Valentine's chocolate is fading, and more people are giving chocolate to someone they genuinely like.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, social obligations, relationships, etiquette

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 義 (righteousness/principle) and 理 (reason/principle). A Confucian concept emphasising social propriety and reciprocal obligation, deeply embedded in Japanese interpersonal ethics and codified through centuries of feudal social structure.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient–Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal