← Dictionary
正
correct · right · justice · upright
N4On: せい、しょうKun: ただしい、ただす、まさ
Memory Aid
The kanji 正 originally depicted a foot (止) stopping at a specific point or line (一). This symbolizes 'stopping at the correct place' or 'standing upright and straight'.
'Sei' — like 'SAY' the correct answer when you're sure it's RIGHT.
Imagine a perfect square, showing something that is 'correct' or 'regular'. The top line is 'one' (一), and the rest is like an upright stop sign (止) - stopping at the right place.
Vocabulary
正しいただしいcorrect, right
正月しょうがつNew Year's Day
正直しょうじきhonest, frank
正解せいかいcorrect answer
正門せいもんmain gate
Example Sentences
その答えは正しいです。
That answer is correct.
日本人は正月にお餅を食べます。
Japanese people eat mochi on New Year's Day.
あなたの出した答えが正解です。
The answer you gave is the correct one.
彼はとても正直な人です。
He is a very honest person.