Translation and Meaning of: 正 - sei

The Japanese word 正 (せい) carries deep meanings and various uses in daily life in Japan. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about this expression, understanding its context can open doors to a richer comprehension of the language and culture. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and practical uses of 正, as well as tips for memorizing it effectively.

Found in various contexts, from formal documents to everyday conversations, 正 is one of those words worth mastering. Whether to expand your vocabulary or to delve into the details of the Japanese language, this guide will help you uncover the secrets of this fascinating expression. Shall we begin?

Meaning and usage of 正 (せい)

The term 正 (せい) can be translated as "correct," "just," or "true," depending on the context. It is often used to convey the idea of something that is right, whether in moral, logical, or even mathematical . For example, in expressions like 正解 (せいかい), which means "correct answer," or 正義 (せいぎ), which refers to "justice."

Additionally, 正 also appears in more everyday contexts. In some Japanese establishments, you may see the word written in counts or records, indicating an exact or complete value. This versatility makes it a key element in the vocabulary of those studying Japanese.

Origin and writing of the kanji 正

The kanji 正 has an interesting origin that dates back to ancient China. It is composed of the radicals 止 (to stop) and 一 (one), suggesting the idea of "stopping at the right point" or "aligning with the truth." This combination well reflects the meaning of correctness and precision associated with the word.

In modern writing, 正 retains its classical form but can be found in different calligraphic styles. For those learning to draw kanji, practicing the strokes of 正 can be a good exercise, as it is not overly complex but still requires attention to detail.

Tips for memorizing 正 (せい)

An effective way to memorize 正 is to associate it with compound words you already know. For example, 正しい (ただしい) means "correct" and is a common expression in conversations. Repeating phrases like "その答えは正しい" (that answer is correct) can help internalize the usage of the word.

Another tip is to create flashcards with the kanji and its main meanings. Including practical examples and reviewing them regularly will strengthen your familiarity with 正. Additionally, paying attention when the word appears in animes, dramas, or Japanese texts can further consolidate your learning.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 正しい (Tadashii) - Certo, correto
  • 正確 (Seikaku) - I need, exact
  • 正当 (Seitō) - Just, legitimate
  • 正直 (Shōjiki) - honest, sincere
  • 正義 (Seigi) - Justice, morality
  • 正解 (Seikai) - Resposta correta
  • 正常 (Seijō) - Normal, regular
  • 正式 (Seishiki) - Official, formal
  • 正月 (Shōgatsu) - Japanese New Year
  • 正午 (Shōgo) - noon

Related words

正しく

masashiku

Certainly; undoubtedly; evidently

正に

masani

correctly; Certainly

不正

fusei

injustice; lack of justice; iniquity; impropriety; irregularity; dishonesty; illegality

訂正

teisei

correction; revision

正しい

tadashii

right; fair; correct; fair; honest; TRUE; adequate; direct; perfect

是正

zesei

correction; revision

正方形

seihoukei

square

正門

seimon

Main gate; main entrance

正当

seitou

fair; justifiable; right; due; adequate; equitable; reasonable; lawful; licit

正式

seishiki

due form; official; formality

Romaji: sei
Kana: せい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: (logical) true; regular

Meaning in English: (logical) true;regular

Definition: Something that is in accordance with a standard or pattern.

Quick Access
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How to Write in Japanese - (正) sei

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (正) sei:

Example Sentences - (正) sei

See below some example sentences:

この試験の採点は公正に行われました。

Kono shiken no saiten wa kousei ni okonawaremashita

The correction of this exam was done fairly.

The score of this exam was quite fair.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 試験 - noun meaning "exam" or "test"
  • の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
  • 採点 - noun meaning "correction" or "evaluation"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
  • に - particle that indicates the way or manner in which something is done
  • 行われました - verb in the ive form meaning "was accomplished" or "was done"
この寸法は正確です。

Kono sunpō wa seikaku desu

This measure is accurate.

This dimension is accurate.

  • この - this
  • 寸法 - dimension
  • は - is
  • 正確 - I need
  • です - is
この帳簿は正確ですか?

Kono chōbo wa seikaku desu ka?

Is this correct?

Is this book accurate?

  • この - demonstrative "this"
  • 帳簿 - "ing book"
  • は - Topic particle
  • 正確 - "precise, exact"
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form
  • か - interrogative particle
  • ? - question mark
「文法が正しい文章を書くことは重要です。」

Bunpou ga tadashii bunshou wo kaku koto wa juuyou desu

It is important to write the correct sentence.

  • 「文法が正しい文章を書くことは重要です。」
  • 「」 - Japanese quotation marks
  • 文法 - Word that means "grammar"
  • が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 正しい - adjective meaning "correct"
  • 文章 - Noun that means "phrase" or "text"
  • を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
  • 書く - Verb meaning "to write"
  • こと - noun meaning "thing" or "fact"
  • は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
  • 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
  • です - Verb that indicates the state or condition of the sentence
この取引は公正であることが保証されています。

Kono torihiki wa kōsei de aru koto ga hoshō sarete imasu

This transaction is guaranteed as fair.

  • この (kono) - this, these
  • 取引 (torihiki) - Transação, negociação
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 公正 (kousei) - justice, equity
  • である (dearu) - to be
  • こと (koto) - Thing, fact
  • が (ga) - subject particle
  • 保証 (hoshou) - warranty, assurance
  • されています (sareteimasu) - to be done, to be being done
この秤は正確に計量できます。

Kono hakari wa seikaku ni keiryou dekimasu

This scale can measure accurately.

This scale can be measured accurately.

  • この - demonstrative "this"
  • 秤 - noun "scale"
  • は - Topic particle
  • 正確に - adverb "precisely"
  • 計量 - noun "measurement"
  • できます - the verb "can be done" (polite form)
この書類には正確な情報が記載されています。

Kono shorui ni wa seikaku na joho ga kisai sarete imasu

This document contains accurate information.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
  • 書類 - noun "document"
  • には - Topic marking particle
  • 正確な - adjective "precise, exact"
  • 情報 - noun "information"
  • が - subject particle
  • 記載されています - verb "to be written, to be recorded"
この判定は正しいですか?

Kono hantei wa tadashii desu ka?

Is this decision correct?

Is this judgment correct?

  • この - Demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one".
  • 判定 - noun that means "judgment" or "evaluation".
  • は - Particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
  • 正しい - adjective that means "correct" or "right".
  • です - verb "to be" in the polite and formal form.
  • か - particle that indicates a question.
  • ? - punctuation mark that indicates a question.
この列車は正確な軌道を保っています。

Kono ressha wa seikaku na kidō o tamotte imasu

This train is maintaining a precise trajectory.

This train maintains a precise orbit.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 列車 - noun meaning "train"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 正確な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
  • 軌道 - noun meaning "trajectory" or "orbit"
  • を - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
  • 保っています - verb meaning "maintain" or "preserve" in the present continuous
この判決は正当です。

Kono hanketsu wa seitō desu

This judgment is justified.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 判決 - noun that means "sentence" or "judicial decision"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence, in this case, "the sentence"
  • 正当 - adjective that means "fair" or "legitimate"
  • です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form
  • . - punctuation mark indicating the end of the sentence

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

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