忠義(ちゅうぎ)

ちゅうぎ
noun
loyalty; fidelity; devotion (to a lord or master)
formalculturehistoryvirtue
1. loyalty; fidelity; faithfulness; devotion to one's lord or master
Deep loyalty and faithful service, traditionally toward a feudal lord or master. Now used more broadly for unwavering devotion to a person, cause, or organization.
忠義(ちゅうぎ)を尽(つ)くす。
To be devoted and loyal.
忠義(ちゅうぎ)な家臣(かしん)として知(し)られていた。
He was known as a loyal retainer.
忠臣蔵(ちゅうしんぐら)は四十七士(しじゅうしちし)の忠義(ちゅうぎ)の物語(ものがたり)として、日本(にほん)で最(もっと)も有名(ゆうめい)な歴史(れきし)物語(ものがたり)の一(ひと)つだ。
Chūshingura, the story of the forty-seven samurai's loyalty, is one of the most famous historical tales in Japan.

A word with deep roots in Japanese feudal culture and the samurai code of ethics (武士道(ぶしどう)). While originally referring specifically to a vassal's loyalty to their lord, it is now used more broadly but retains a traditional and somewhat formal flavor.

Common collocations

Cultural note

忠義(ちゅうぎ) is a central theme in many classic Japanese stories, particularly 忠臣蔵(ちゅうしんぐら) (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers), which tells the story of 47 samurai who avenged their lord's death.

Similar words

  • 忠誠(ちゅうせい): loyalty, allegiance — more modern, used for political or organizational loyalty
  • 義理(ぎり): duty, obligation — social obligation rather than personal devotion
  • 誠実(せいじつ): sincerity, faithfulness — broader, not specifically about hierarchical loyalty

Related Words

Compare: 忠誠(ちゅうせい) (loyalty, allegiance)
Compare: 義理(ぎり) (duty, obligation)
Compare: 誠実(せいじつ) (sincerity, faithfulness)
Compare: 不忠(ふちゅう) (disloyalty)
general
Added 2026.3.30 15:36 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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