善悪(ぜんあく)

善悪(ぜんあく) is a compound noun combining 善(ぜん) (good, virtue) and 悪(あく) (evil, vice). It refers to the moral distinction between right and wrong as an abstract concept.

Common expressions

• 善悪(ぜんあく)の判断(はんだん): moral judgment
• 善悪(ぜんあく)の区別(くべつ): distinction between right and wrong
• 善悪(ぜんあく)を問(と)わず: regardless of good or bad
• 善悪(ぜんあく)を見極(みきわ)める: to discern right from wrong

Forms

This follows a common pattern of pairing opposite kanji to form an abstract noun:

• 善悪(ぜんあく) (good and evil)
• 正邪(せいじゃ) (right and wrong)
• 是非(ぜひ) (right and wrong; by all means)
• 長短(ちょうたん) (pros and cons, long and short)

Usage

Primarily used in formal or philosophical discussions about morality. In everyday speech, 良(よ)い・悪(わる)い (good/bad) is more natural.