Definitions
(noun)
righteousness; justice
(noun)
meaning
(adjective)
adopted; artificial
Etymology
Adapted from the cursive form of the traditional character 義. Phonosemantic compound. 羊 represents the meaning and 我 represents the sound. In ancient China sheep (羊) were associated with goodness and beauty, which is why 羊 is a component in characters like 美 (beautiful), 善 (benevolent), and 義 (justice).
About
The character 义, denoting righteousness, originates from the traditional form 義, which is structurally composed of 羊 (sheep) positioned above 我 (self), with 羊 symbolizing goodness or benevolence and 我 representing the individual, thus conveying the idea of moral conduct arising from personal alignment with virtuous principles. In classical texts, 義 primarily indicated personal righteousness and ethical correctness, but its semantic range expanded over time to incorporate broader notions of justice, moral obligation, and appropriateness within social relationships. The simplified form 义 later emerged as a graphical adaptation of this traditional character.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这本书很有意义。
正义总是会胜利。
他做事很讲义气。
我们有义务帮助别人。
这是一个主义问题。
义演是为了筹集资金。
他的义举感动了所有人。
在道义上，我们必须支持他们。