律儀

• Reading: りちぎ
• Romaji: richigi
• Kanji breakdown: 律 (ritsu/richi) — law, discipline; 儀 (gi) — propriety, ceremony
• Pronunciation: /ɾit͡ɕigi/

Meaning

Upright; honest; faithful; conscientious. Describing a person who is scrupulously dutiful and never cuts corners.

A na-adjective (also used as a noun) praising someone who fulfils obligations with unwavering reliability and moral rectitude. It often carries a nuance of admiration mixed with slight surprise — suggesting the person is more dutiful than one might expect. Used warmly in everyday speech.

Examples

1. 律儀な性格で、借りたものは必ず期日通りに返す。 Being conscientious by nature, he always returns borrowed items right on time.
2. 彼女は律儀にも毎年欠かさず年賀状を送ってくれる。 She faithfully sends New Year's cards every year without fail.
3. 律儀すぎて損をしているんじゃないかと周りは心配している。 Those around him worry that he's too honest for his own good and ends up losing out.

Usage Guide

Context: character description, daily life, praise

Tone: warm

Origin & History

From 律 (law, discipline) and 儀 (ceremony, propriety). Together they evoke someone who adheres strictly to the proprieties and duties that society expects — a compound that has been in use since the Edo period.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Present

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal