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Yojijukugo

Japanese meaning of 温良恭倹

Reading:

おんりょうきょうけん (onryou kyouken)

English Translation:

Gentle, modest, respectful, and frugal

Meaning & Cultural Context

Meaning:

Being gentle, modest, respectful, and frugal.
日本語で読む
穏やかで優しく、控えめで敬意を払い、倹約すること。

Cultural Context:

Considered a Confucian virtue and often referenced in moral education in Japan.
日本語で読む
儒教の徳目の一つとして、日本の道徳教育でも引用されることがある。

Grammar & Learning Points

Grammar Point

• Noun phrase with “な人物” or “な態度” to describe a gentle, respectful character (“温良恭倹な人物”).<br>• Often used in moral education and historical depictions.
日本語で読む
• 温和で素直、礼儀正しく質素な性格を表す「〜な人物」「〜な態度」（例：「温良恭倹な人物」）。<br>• 道徳教育や歴史描写で使われる。

Trap for English Speakers

Might be mistaken as weakness, but it conveys virtuous restraint and dignified modesty.
日本語で読む
弱々しさではなく、徳と節度を備えた品位ある性格を示す点に注意。

Example

Example 1Basic Example

  1. 祖父は温良恭倹の人で、誰からも尊敬されていた。

    My grandfather was gentle, respectful, and frugal, respected by all.

Example 2Applied Example

  1. 温良恭倹な人柄が、激しい場面でも彼を落ち着かせた。

    His gentle, respectful, and frugal nature kept him calm even in tense moments.

Quick check

Meaning

What does 「温良恭倹」 mean?

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