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Confucius
The Chinese philosopher (551–479 BCE) whose teachings on ethics, governance, and social relationships profoundly influenced East Asian culture. Known in Chinese as Kǒngzǐ. His philosophy, known as Confucianism, shaped Japanese thought on education, family, and social order.
孔子は中国の思想家だ。
Confucius is a Chinese philosopher.
孔子の教えは日本の文化にも深い影響を与えた。
The teachings of Confucius had a deep influence on Japanese culture as well.
「論語」は孔子とその弟子たちの言行を記録した書物である。
The Analects is a text that records the words and deeds of Confucius and his disciples.
The name 孔子 literally means "Master Kong" (孔 being the family name, 子 being an honorific title meaning "master" used for ancient Chinese philosophers). In Chinese, the full name was 孔丘.
孔子's teachings, compiled by his disciples in the 論語 (Analects), emphasize 仁 (benevolence), 義 (righteousness), 礼 (propriety), and 孝 (filial piety). These concepts deeply influenced Japanese society through centuries of cultural exchange, shaping values around respect for elders, education, and social harmony.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 孔子の教え: the teachings of Confucius
- 孔子の言葉: words of Confucius
- 孔子廟: Confucian temple
- 孔子学院: Confucius Institute
RELATED TERMS:
- 儒教: Confucianism — the philosophical and ethical system based on his teachings
- 論語: the Analects — the primary text recording his teachings
- 儒学: Confucian studies — the academic study of his philosophy
- 孟子: Mencius — another major Confucian philosopher