高 潔(こうけつ)

こうけつ

noun, na-adjective

noble; virtuous; integrity

1. noble; virtuous; having high moral integrity

Describes a person of high moral character who is upright, pure in conduct, and free from corruption. A literary and somewhat formal word.

高潔(こうけつ)な人柄(ひとがら)で知(し)られている。

Known for a noble character.

高潔(こうけつ)な精神(せいしん)を持(も)ち続(つづ)ける。

To maintain a virtuous spirit.

彼(かれ)は権力(けんりょく)の誘惑(ゆうわく)にも屈(くっ)せず、高潔(こうけつ)な生(い)き方(かた)を貫(つらぬ)いた。

He resisted the temptation of power and lived a life of integrity.

Composed of 高(こう) (high) and 潔(けつ) (clean/pure). Describes moral elevation and purity of character. This is a literary, somewhat formal word used to praise someone's unwavering moral standards.

Common collocations

高潔(こうけつ)な人物(じんぶつ): a person of integrity
高潔(こうけつ)な精神(せいしん): noble spirit
高潔(こうけつ)な人格(じんかく): noble character/personality
高潔(こうけつ)さ: nobility, virtuousness

Similar words

清廉(せいれん): upright / incorruptible — focuses on being free from corruption, especially in public office
高尚(こうしょう): lofty / refined — emphasizes refined tastes or elevated thinking, not necessarily moral purity
潔白(けっぱく): innocent / blameless — focuses on being free from guilt or wrongdoing
品格(ひんかく): dignity / grace — broader term for having refined character

Related Words

Compare: 清廉(せいれん) (upright / incorruptible)

Compare: 高尚(こうしょう) (lofty / refined)

Compare: 潔白(けっぱく) (innocent / blameless)

Compare: 品格(ひんかく) (dignity / grace)

general

Added 2026.4.6 6:08 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02

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