Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Dignity" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "dignity", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
威厳
いげん (igen)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
品格
ひんかく (hinkaku)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "dignity" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 威厳 and 品格.
In Japanese, 威厳 (いげん (igen)) is typically associated with "dignity; majesty; gravity; solemn presence; aura of authority" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to dignity, majesty, gravity, or a solemn presence that commands respect automatically. Often used as 威厳を保つ.
On the other hand, 品格 (ひんかく (hinkaku)) maps to "dignity; grace; class; moral stature; refined nobility" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to dignity, grace, class, moral stature, or refined nobility naturally displayed in one's manners or character. Often used as 品格を高める or 品格がある. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Dignity! Class! S-So what if I lose my cool and get prickly when I face you?! My refined grace vanishes out of shyness, so take responsibility with a hug!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『ひんかく（品格）よ！美しい乙女として品格ある態度を保ちたいのに、あんたの前に出ると恥ずかしさでツンツンしちゃうのよ！私の品格（理性）を奪った責任、ハグでとりなさい！』. A literal translation of "dignity" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "威厳"
裁判官は法廷の秩序と_______を保つために、私語を繰り返す傍聴人に対して厳しい注意を与えました。
To maintain the order and dignity of the courtroom, the judge gave a strict warning to the spectator who repeatedly whispered.
Bilingual Context for "品格"
一流のホテルマンには、どれだけ多忙な状況であっても、落ち着いた物腰と高い_______が求められます。
First-class hotel clerks are required to have calm manners and high dignity, no matter how busy the situation is.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "裁判官は法廷の秩序と_______を保つために、私語を繰り返す傍聴人に対して厳しい注意を与えました。" (Meaning: "To maintain the order and dignity of the courtroom, the judge gave a strict warning to the spectator who repeatedly whispered.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "威厳" fits here because it means "dignity; majesty; gravity; solemn presence; aura of authority" in the context of: "To maintain the order and dignity of the courtroom, the judge gave a strict warning to the spectator who repeatedly whispered.". "品格" represents "dignity; grace; class; moral stature; refined nobility".