主義

• Reading: しゅぎ
• Romaji: shugi
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu) — master, main; 義 (gi) — righteousness, meaning
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.ɡi/

Meaning

Doctrine; principle; -ism. A system of beliefs or ideological stance.

A noun and common suffix used to express ideologies, principles, or personal philosophies. Appears in many compound words: 資本主義 (capitalism), 民主主義 (democracy), 社会主義 (socialism), 完璧主義 (perfectionism). Can also refer to personal principles, as in 私の主義 (my principle/policy).

Examples

1. 彼は完璧主義で何でも丁寧にやる。 He's a perfectionist and does everything meticulously.
2. 民主主義の国に住んでいることに感謝している。 I'm grateful to live in a democratic country.
3. それは私の主義に反する。 That goes against my principles.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, philosophy, daily conversation

Tone: intellectual

Origin & History

Composed of 主 (master, main) and 義 (righteousness, meaning). Together they express a central or governing principle that one follows.

Cultural Context

Era: Meiji era

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated