Japanese meaning of 大義名分
Reading:
たいぎめいぶん (taigi meibun)
English Translation:
A just cause and proper justification.
Meaning & Cultural Context
Meaning:
A just cause and proper justification.
Cultural Context:
From Chinese political theory, used historically to justify military actions. Still used in politics and formal rhetoric.
正しい道理と、それを裏付ける名目。
中国の政治思想に由来し、戦争や行動の正当性を裏付ける理論として使われた。現代でも政治や演説で用いられる。
Grammar & Learning Points
Grammar Point
• Noun phrase with “を掲げる” or “を守る” to express moral or political justification (“大義名分を掲げる”).
• Common in historical, political, and legal contexts.
Trap for English Speakers
May be taken as simply “just cause,” but it refers to a formally recognized justification, often in political or moral contexts.
Example
Basic Example
彼は大義名分のために行動した。
He acted for a just cause.
Applied Example
大義名分を掲げて彼らは行動を起こした。
They acted under a just cause.