how to say “integrity” or “upstanding character” in Hebrew
[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/טוהר-המידות-1.m4a” /]טֹהַר הַמִּדּוֹת
One term for integrity in Hebrew is יושר[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/טוהר-המידות-2.m4a” /], the quality of behaving in a way that is consistent with social rules and expectations – straightness.
Another term is טוהר המידות[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/טוהר-המידות-1.m4a” /] – literally, purity of character traits. This is integrity in the more literal sense – that the person’s traits are integrated successfully into their character. While יושר is used more in conversation, טוהר המידות appears primarily in legal or philosophical contexts.
Take this excerpt from a treatise on ethics for example: (beginning of page 6)
[audioclip url=”https://archive.ulpan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/טוהר-המידות-3.m4a” /]טוהר מידות בשירות הציבור הוא נשמת אפה של הדמוקרטיה.
Integrity in the public service is the lifeblood (breath of its nose) of democracy.
