正 (zhèng) - Upright, correct, proper, straight & exactly, precisely

正Tone 4

zhèng ｜ 5 strokes ｜ radical: 止

丈志

正 · zhèng

Upright, correct, proper, straight;

exactly, precisely;

the first month of the lunar year;

positive (mathematics).

Upright, correct, proper, straightexactly, preciselythe first month of the lunar year

Usage highlights

CorrectUprightPositiveJustRegularJustice

Synonyms

  • 对— correct, right
  • 直— straight, upright
  • 端— proper, upright

Antonyms

  • 歪— crooked, slanted
  • 邪— evil, wicked
  • 负— negative (mathematics)
  • 错— wrong, incorrect

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He is an upright person (正直的人).
  • This is the correct answer (正确答案).
  • Please put the book in the right place (正的位置).
  • It is exactly noon (正午).

Collocations

  • Correct(正确)
  • Upright(正直)
  • Positive(正面)
  • Just(正好)
  • Regular(正规)
  • Justice(正义)

Idioms

  • Impartial and just(公正无私)
  • Upright and outspoken(正言厉色)
  • Correct the name to ensure proper meaning(正名)
  • Return to the right path(改邪归正)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Confucianism, '正' represents moral correctness and the rectification of names (正名), which is fundamental to social order.
  • The first month of the lunar year is called 正月 (Zhēngyuè), where 正 is read with the first tone.
  • In the I Ching (Book of Changes), the concept of 'correct position' is crucial for favorable outcomes.

FAQ