Definition
道义 is a compound of 道 (way, principle) and 义 (righteousness, justice). It refers to the moral obligation or sense of righteousness that compels you to act responsibly toward others, especially in situations where the law or personal interest does not require it but your conscience does. It's commonly used in formal contexts like 道义责任 (moral responsibility), 道义支持 (moral support), or 道义上 (morally speaking). In English, 'morality and justice' captures part of the meaning, but 道义 emphasizes the duty aspect: something you ought to do because it's the right thing, not because it's legally required.
n.
moral obligation and righteousnessjustice (as a ethical principle)
Examples
- 道义。Wǒmen yīnggāi chéngdān dào yì shàng de zérèn.We should bear the moral responsibility.
- 道义。Tā zài guójì shìwù shàng gěiyǔ le dào yì zhīchí.He gave moral support in international affairs.
- 道义。Zhè zhǒng zuòfǎ wéibèi le jīběn dào yì.This practice violates basic moral justice.
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