Meaning and Usage
"良心" (りょうしん) means "conscience" in English. It refers to the inner sense of right and wrong that guides a person's behavior. This word is often used in moral or ethical contexts.
Common Contexts
People use "良心" when talking about acting morally, feeling guilt, or making fair decisions. For example, "良心に従う" means "to follow one's conscience," and "良心の呵責" means "pangs of conscience" or feelings of guilt.
Collocations and Patterns
- 良心に従う: to follow one's conscience
- 良心の呵責: pangs of conscience, guilt
- 良心的な価格: reasonable or fair price (implying honesty)
Register and Nuance
"良心" is a formal and somewhat abstract noun, often used in written or serious spoken Japanese. It is not casual slang but common in everyday conversation when discussing ethics or personal integrity.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "良心" with "意識" (consciousness) or "心" (heart/mind). Remember, "良心" specifically relates to moral awareness, not general awareness or feelings.