Proverb / Kotowaza
仰いで天に愧じず
Living with a clear conscience, having absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when reflecting on one's actions.
To look up and not be ashamed before heaven
Quick Answer
Living with a clear conscience, having absolutely nothing to be ashamed of when reflecting on one's actions.
- Literal Image
- To look up and not be ashamed before heaven
- How to Use It
- Used to describe someone who has lived a life of integrity or to express that one's conscience is clear regarding a particular path or career. It appears in formal speeches or literary reflections.
Meaning
This expression describes a state of complete integrity where a person's conduct is so honorable that they feel no shame or guilt even when looking toward the heavens. It implies that one's private and public actions are equally beyond reproach, allowing them to live with a peaceful and proud spirit.
Literal Image
To look up and not be ashamed before heaven
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who has lived a life of integrity or to express that one's conscience is clear regarding a particular path or career. It appears in formal speeches or literary reflections.
Tone
A formal and dignified expression that conveys a sense of high moral character.
Examples
長年誠実に働いてきた彼は、定年退職の挨拶で「仰いで天に愧じずと言える仕事人生でした」と述べた。
Having worked sincerely for many years, he said in his retirement speech, 'Mine was a career where I can say I look up and feel no shame before heaven.'
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses the literary negative ending 'zu' and the formal kanji '愧' (shame), placing it in the upper levels of formal Japanese.
仰いで
あおいで / aoide
looking up
天
てん / ten
heaven
愧じず
はじず / hajizu
not being ashamed
Usage Profile
Usage note: Because this claims perfect integrity, using it for oneself can sound very proud or strictly moralizing depending on the context.
Misread Risk
This is not merely about legal innocence; it refers to a deeper, spiritual state of moral purity and honesty.
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Origin
Derived from the words of the Chinese philosopher Mencius (Mengzi): "Looking up, I am not ashamed before heaven; looking down, I am not ashamed before men" (仰いで天に愧じず、俯して人に愧じず / 仰不愧於天、俯不怍於人). It describes the pride and peace of mind found in a life of clean and upright conduct.
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Source Note
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