The five precepts in their negative and positive forms, with English translation of the negative precepts

The Five Precepts 

Remember here that the precepts are "sikkhapada" or training principles. They are not commandments. The fact that they are training principles means that we can learn to "do" ethics better: we can train ourselves to be more ethical.

In accordance with this, Buddhists tend to avoid ideas like "good" and "evil" in regard to behaviour and instead use the terms "skilful" and "unskilful", where the latter describes actions committed on the basis of negative mental states such as greed, hatred, anger, meanness etc., and the former describes the opposite - actions performed on the basis of love, compassion, generosity, kindness etc.

Panatipata Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
Adinnadana Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
Kamesu Micchacara Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
Musavada Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami
Surameraya Majja Pamadatthana Veramani Sikkhapadam Samadiyami

translation

I undertake to abstain from taking life.
I undertake to abstain from taking the not-given.
I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
I undertake to abstain from false speech.
I undertake to abstain from taking intoxicants.

The Positive Precepts 

With deeds of loving kindness, I purify my body.
With open-handed generosity, I purify my body.
With stillness, simplicity, and contentment, I purify my body.
With truthful communication, I purify my speech.
With mindfulness clear and radiant, I purify my mind.