1.
social obligation, moral duty, sense of duty
A sense of obligation or duty arising from social relationships, customs, or debts of gratitude. A core concept in Japanese interpersonal relationships.
義理を果たす。
To fulfill one's social obligation.
義理チョコを配る。
To hand out obligatory chocolates.
On Valentine's Day, women give 義理チョコ (obligation chocolates) to male coworkers and acquaintances as a social courtesy.
お世話になった人への義理を欠くわけにはいかない。
I can't neglect my obligations to someone who has helped me.
2.
in-law (as prefix)
When used as a prefix before family terms, indicates a relationship by marriage rather than blood.
義理の母はとても優しい人だ。
My mother-in-law is a very kind person.
義理の兄と初めて会った。
I met my brother-in-law for the first time.
義理の父とはうまくやっている。
I get along well with my father-in-law.
WORD FORMATION:
義 (righteousness, justice) + 理 (reason, principle) = moral principle in social relations.
CULTURAL NOTE:
義理 is a fundamental concept in Japanese social relations, representing the web of mutual obligations that bind people. It often contrasts with 人情 (human feeling/emotion). The tension between 義理 (duty) and 人情 (personal feelings) is a recurring theme in Japanese literature and drama.
COMMON COMPOUNDS:
- 義理チョコ: obligatory Valentine's chocolate
- 義理堅い: faithful to one's obligations, dutiful
- 義理の父/母: father-in-law / mother-in-law
- 義理の兄弟: brother/sister-in-law
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 義理を果たす: to fulfill one's duty
- 義理を欠く: to neglect one's obligation
- 義理を通す: to honor one's obligations