善良(ぜんりょう)

ぜんりょう
adjective-na
good-natured; virtuous; upright
1. good-natured; virtuous; upright; honest
Describes a person or character that is morally good, honest, and well-intentioned.
善良(ぜんりょう)な市民(しみん)を守(まも)る。
To protect good citizens.
彼(かれ)は善良(ぜんりょう)な人柄(ひとがら)で知(し)られている。
He is known for his good-natured personality.
善良(ぜんりょう)な人(ひと)ほどだまされやすいと言(い)われている。
It's said that the more good-natured a person is, the easier they are to deceive.

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').

general
Added 2026.4.5 3:21
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