Proverb / Kotowaza
義を見てせざるは勇無きなり
Knowing the right thing to do but failing to act on it is proof of cowardice.
To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage
Quick Answer
Knowing the right thing to do but failing to act on it is proof of cowardice.
- Literal Image
- To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage
- Closest Equivalent
- To know the right and not to do it is the worst cowardice
- How to Use It
- Used to describe or criticize the failure to act in the face of injustice, or as a personal motivation to take brave action despite risks.
Meaning
This proverb teaches that knowing what is morally right or just, yet failing to carry it out, demonstrates a lack of true courage. It serves as an instruction that one must have the bravery to act upon their convictions when they encounter a situation requiring a just response.
Literal Image
To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage
Equivalent Proverbs
To know the right and not to do it is the worst cowardice
A direct translation of the underlying sentiment.
How to Use It
Used to describe or criticize the failure to act in the face of injustice, or as a personal motivation to take brave action despite risks.
Tone
Formal and moralizing; can be used in serious contexts involving ethics or integrity.
Examples
不正を見て見ぬふりをするのは、義を見てせざるは勇無きなりだと思い、内部告発を決意した。
Thinking that turning a blind eye to wrongdoing would be a lack of courage in the face of what is right, I decided to become a whistleblower.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
Uses classical grammar such as the negative 'sezaru' and the 'nari' ending, alongside formal kanji compounds.
義
ぎ / gi
justice; righteousness; what is right
勇
ゆう / yuu
courage; bravery
無きなり
なきなり / naki nari
is non-existent; is lacking (classical form)
Usage Profile
Usage note: This is a very formal and weighty expression; it may come across as overly dramatic in casual conversation.
Misread Risk
The proverb specifically addresses the moral failure of inaction, not just simple physical fear or general laziness.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
Derived from the words of Confucius in the 'Wei Zheng' (為政篇) chapter of the Chinese classic, the 'Analects' (論語). The original text is '見義不為、無勇也'. It stems from the teaching that failing to act while knowing what is right makes one a coward.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.