1.
conscientious, dutiful, faithful
Describes a person who diligently fulfills obligations and promises, never cutting corners or neglecting responsibilities.
彼は律儀な人だ。
He is a conscientious person.
律儀にも毎年年賀状を送ってくれる。
He dutifully sends New Year's cards every year.
借りたものを必ず返すのは、彼女の律儀な性格のおかげだ。
The fact that she always returns what she borrows is thanks to her conscientious character.
FORMS:
- Predicative: 律儀だ
- Modifier: 律儀な + noun
- Adverbial: 律儀に (dutifully, faithfully)
USAGE:
Almost always used as a positive trait. 律儀にも is a set phrase meaning "dutifully" or "faithfully," often with a nuance of admiration that the person follows through despite difficulty.
SIMILAR WORDS:
真面目 (serious, earnest) is broader. 律儀 specifically emphasizes keeping promises and fulfilling social obligations.