1.
immorality; injustice; disloyalty
Behavior that violates moral principles or codes of righteousness, encompassing acts of dishonesty, betrayal, or ethical wrongdoing.
2.
infidelity; adultery; illicit affair
A sexual relationship outside of marriage, especially one considered morally wrong. Often found in literary and historical contexts.
Composed of 不 (non-, un-) and 義 (righteousness, justice). A literary and somewhat formal word. In sense 1, it refers broadly to immoral or unjust behavior — acting against what is right. In sense 2, it specifically refers to sexual infidelity, particularly adultery, and has strong associations with historical and literary contexts.
Common collocations
- 不義を働く: to commit an immoral act
- 不義の関係: illicit relationship
- 不義密通: adultery (classical term)
- 不義の子: illegitimate child (archaic)