This is the 2531st most frequent Japanese word.

More Japanese resources.


"善" (zen) means "goodness," "virtue," or "good."


In this sentence, 『善』 is used within the compound word 『善人』, which means 'good person'. It expresses the characteristic or moral quality of goodness in a person.

彼は善人と言われています。

He is said to be a good person.


Here, 『善』 appears in 『善行』, meaning 'good deed'. It emphasizes the actions or deeds that exhibit goodness and moral integrity.

善行を重ねることが大切です。

It is important to perform many good deeds.


In this case, 『善』 stands alone meaning 'good' in contrast to 『悪』, meaning 'evil'. It highlights notions of morality and ethical judgment.

私たちは善と悪を見分ける能力があります。

We have the ability to distinguish between good and evil.