Ji

ji

Etymology 1

from jie "it is so, it is thus; it is common"

nominal

with the fundamental meaning of "the way of harmony"

1. the way things are
2. the law of nature
3. one's personality or nature
4. law
5. order
6. divine command
7. heterosexuality (being natural)
8. ritual
9. custom, tradition
10. common culture, manners
11. morality and justice; love, benevolence, and compassion: ji uiyefi. Do justice and morality toward all people
12. (approximate meaning) religion, dharma

adjective

1. conventional, customary, common, traditional: jiwalihyi ui ji ([it is] customary [for] our people [to] wear clothes)
2. in accordance with what is common of one's culture: ji ui jraijrieh (according to our culture, people greet each other)
3. natural (according to nature)
4. usual, of his/her nature
5. (often considered offensive) heterosexual and cisgender, straight
6. proper, polite, decent; well-mannered
7. right, correct

adverb

1. surely; certainly
2. of course: sha ji
3. yes, in the affirmative

prefix

1. functions as a prefix in some words to express the putting on or actualizing of a thing
   • jiwalih: to cover, put clothes on

Etymology 2

from jiw "the path, the way (to a destination); the right, what is good; the common path"

substantive, adjective

1. (of a deed or person) just, fair, honest
2. (of a person) righteous, good, upright, moral
3. ethics, moral philosophy; moral code
4. conscience, standard of right and wrong
5. (especially in Zekaiseii moral philosophy) the manners in which individuals are expected to conduct themselves socially in relation to their culture
6. right, entitlement to something
   • jii paui human rights
   • jii ui the rights of the community
7. a particular field of human activity; art, practice

Usage notes

In Zekaiseii moral philosophy, ji, "the ways things are, custom, culture" is contrasted with beli, "virtue, integrity". Ji is defined as "the manners in which individuals are expected to conduct themselves socially in relation to their culture," that is, it is culturally relative, determined by the beliefs and ideas of a group of people in a certain place and at a certain time, subject to constant change, whereas beli is "that which is intrinsically good, that which is wholesome; virtue, righteousness", which is based on the morality of the intention and deed itself, rather than the cultural acceptance of it. Beli is considered superior to ji because it is "constant, permanent, and invariable; unmoved by the winds of popular demand or societal influence." It is inherently benevolent; it strives to do deeds that help others rather than harm them. It is altruistic and compassionate, caring for others. Ji, however, is concerned with conforming to the standards of the ui, even when it realizes the unfairness and grave brutality thereof.