潔白(けっぱく)

けっぱく
noun, adjective-na
innocence; purity
1. innocence; being not guilty
Freedom from guilt or wrongdoing, especially in legal or accusatory contexts. Used when someone is cleared of suspicion or asserts they have done nothing wrong.
自分(じぶん)の潔白(けっぱく)を主張(しゅちょう)した。
I asserted my innocence.
調査(ちょうさ)の結果(けっか)、彼(かれ)の潔白(けっぱく)が証明(しょうめい)された。
As a result of the investigation, his innocence was proven.
疑(うたが)いをかけられても、自分(じぶん)の潔白(けっぱく)を信(しん)じて堂々(どうどう)としていた。
Even when accused, he stood firm believing in his own innocence.
2. purity; integrity; uprightness
Moral cleanliness and integrity of character. Describes a person who is honest and free from corruption.
彼(かれ)は潔白(けっぱく)な人柄(ひとがら)で知(し)られている。
He is known for his upright character.
政治家(せいじか)には潔白(けっぱく)さが求(もと)められる。
Politicians are expected to have integrity.
長年(ながねん)にわたって潔白(けっぱく)な態度(たいど)を貫(つらぬ)いてきた役人(やくにん)は市民(しみん)から信頼(しんらい)されている。
The official who has maintained an upright attitude over many years is trusted by the citizens.

USAGE:
Most frequently used in sense 1 (innocence), particularly in the phrase 潔白(けっぱく)を証明(しょうめい)する (prove one's innocence). Sense 2 (moral purity) is more literary.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 潔白(けっぱく)を証明(しょうめい)する (prove one's innocence)
  • 潔白(けっぱく)を主張(しゅちょう)する (assert one's innocence)
  • 潔白(けっぱく)な身(み) (a clean/innocent person)
  • 身(み)の潔白(けっぱく) (one's innocence)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 無罪(むざい): not guilty — a legal verdict, used in court
  • 無実(むじつ): innocence — specifically means falsely accused, did not commit the act
  • 清廉(せいれん): incorruptible — a more formal/literary word for moral integrity
general
Added 2026.3.19 18:58
17500/17952_keppaku