The Meaning of zen [善] In Japanese

善
ぜん
Romaji: zen N5

What does 善 mean?

Translation and Meaning

goodness, virtue, benevolence

Definition

善 means moral goodness or virtue. It denotes a positive ethical quality in people or actions, including benevolence, kind intentions, or beneficial outcomes, and it appears in compounds and idioms to express a morally favorable nature or advantageous outcomes.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Goodness, virtue, benevolence as a trait or disposition
  • Good deeds, acts of kindness or beneficial actions
  • Goodwill or well-meaning intent in interactions
  • In philosophical or religious contexts, the concept of the good contrasted with evil (善悪)

Composition

善 is a standalone kanji meaning good or virtue; there are no separate components to break down within this entry.

Usage

Used in ethics discussions, religious or philosophical texts, and everyday compounds to describe a morally positive quality, goodwill in interactions, or beneficial actions; common usages include 善意, 善行, 善良.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: associate 善 with the idea of choosing the ‘zen’ (the good) path in any decision, reinforcing its link to virtue and benevolence.

Variations

  • 善行 zenkō — good deed
  • 善意 zen’i — good will
  • 善良 zenryō — virtuous, kind
  • 善悪 zen’aku — good and evil, moral dichotomy
  • 善処 zensho — to handle appropriately
  • 善い yoi — good, proper (kun-reading)

Example Phrases

  • 私は 善を 行う ために 毎日 努力している。
    Watashi wa zen o okonau tame ni mainichi doryoku shite iru.
    I am making an effort every day to do good.
    Lista:
    • 私は (Watashi wa) – I
    • 善を (zen o) – to do good
    • 行う (okonau) – to perform / do
    • ために (tame ni) – for the purpose of
    • 毎日 (mainichi) – every day
    • 努力している (doryoku shite iru) – am making an effort
    This uses 「善」 as a noun meaning ‘goodness’, marked by を in 善を行う to mean ‘do good’.
善