· righteousness
philosophy
💡 How to pronounce

y → like the 'y' in 'yes'. ì → like 'ee' with a falling tone.

📖 The Story

义 is righteousness — the moral principle that guides a person to do what is right, even when it is difficult. The character combines 'sheep' (羊) and 'I' (我) — a person who sacrifices their own self for the greater good.

🎬 In Culture Today

Confucius taught that a person must live by '义' — choosing the right path over the easy one. In martial arts movies, the hero often has to choose between personal gain and '义'.

📚 Words

zhèng yìjustice
yì wùduty / obligation
yì qìloyalty

📝 Example Sentences

正义必胜。

Zhèngyì bì shèng.

Justice will prevail.

他有义务帮助别人。

Tā yǒu yìwù bāngzhù biérén.

He has a duty to help others.