潔(いさぎよ)い

いさぎよい
i-adjective
graceful (in defeat); dignified; sportsmanlike
1. graceful in defeat; sportsmanlike
Accepting defeat or failure with dignity, without excuses or resentment.
潔(いさぎよ)く負(ま)けを認(みと)めた。
He gracefully admitted defeat.
潔(いさぎよ)い態度(たいど)に感心(かんしん)した。
I was impressed by his dignified attitude.
潔(いさぎよ)く責任(せきにん)を取(と)って辞任(じにん)した。
He resigned with dignity, taking responsibility.
2. clean; pure; upright
Morally clean and straightforward; having integrity.
潔(いさぎよ)く責任(せきにん)を取(と)って辞任(じにん)した。
He resigned with dignity, taking responsibility.

KANJI NOTE:
The kanji 潔(いさぎよ)い contains 水(みず) (water) and suggests purity/cleanliness, reflecting the "morally clean" meaning.

FORMS:

  • 潔(いさぎよ)く (adverb) - gracefully, with dignity
  • 潔(いさぎよ)さ (noun) - dignity, grace
  • 潔(いさぎよ)い態度(たいど) - dignified attitude

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • 潔(いさぎよ)く負(ま)けを認(みと)める - to gracefully accept defeat
  • 潔(いさぎよ)く引(ひ)き下(さ)がる - to bow out gracefully
  • 潔(いさぎよ)い引(ひ)き際(ぎわ) - graceful exit/retirement

CULTURAL NOTE:
潔(いさぎよ)さ is considered a virtue in Japanese culture, related to concepts of honor and dignity. Accepting defeat without excuses is highly respected.

general
Added 2026.1.19 13:11 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
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