善良(ぜんりょう)

Composed of 善(ぜん) (good) + 良(りょう) (good, fine). Describes innate moral goodness and a virtuous disposition. Primarily used as a modifier before nouns (善良(ぜんりょう)な).

Common collocations

• 善良(ぜんりょう)な市民(しみん): good/law-abiding citizens
• 善良(ぜんりょう)な人柄(ひとがら): good-natured character
• 善良(ぜんりょう)な管理者(かんりしゃ): a responsible manager (legal term: 'prudent manager')
• 善良(ぜんりょう)な風俗(ふうぞく): good public morals

Similar words

• 善(よ)い: good — everyday general word; 善良(ぜんりょう) is more literary and specifically about moral character
• 誠実(せいじつ): sincere, faithful — focuses on trustworthiness in relationships; 善良(ぜんりょう) emphasizes innate moral goodness
• 温厚(おんこう): gentle and kind — emphasizes temperament; 善良(ぜんりょう) emphasizes moral uprightness

Register

Somewhat formal and literary. Common in written language, news, and legal contexts (e.g., 善良(ぜんりょう)な管理者(かんりしゃ)の注意義務(ちゅういぎむ), 'duty of care of a prudent manager').