Translation and Meaning of: 公正 - kousei

The Japanese word 公正[こうせい] carries a deep meaning and is often used in contexts that involve justice, impartiality, and equity. If you are learning Japanese or simply interested in Japanese culture, understanding the use and origin of this expression can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore what 公正 means, how it is perceived in Japan, and in what situations it appears in everyday life.

In addition to uncovering its meaning, let's analyze how this word relates to Japanese cultural values and whether there are particularities in its writing or pronunciation. If you have ever wondered how the Japanese understand the idea of justice in their daily lives, keep reading to discover more about 公正 and its role in society.

The meaning and use of 公正 in Japanese

公正 is composed of the kanjis 公 (public, just) and 正 (correct, right), forming the idea of "impartial justice" or "equity." Unlike words like 公平 (equal justice), 公正 emphasizes neutrality and the absence of favoritism. It often appears in discussions about laws, business, and even in school evaluations.

In the corporate environment, for example, it is common to hear phrases like "公正な評価" (fair evaluation) to refer to unbiased processes. In legal contexts, the word can be used to describe balanced judicial decisions. Its usage reflects an ideal valued in Japanese society, where objectivity and transparency are often emphasized.

The origin and writing of 公正

The combination of the kanjis in 公正 is not random. The character 公 refers to what is collective and open, while 正 represents correctness and righteousness. Together, they form a concept that goes beyond basic justice, incorporating the notion that decisions should be made without external influences. This construction is ancient and appears in classical Chinese texts that influenced Japan.

It is worth noting that, although 公正 is a common word, it is not as frequent as simpler terms like 正義 (moral justice). However, its presence in formal documents, regulations, and public speeches highlights its importance in situations that require clarity and neutrality. For those studying Japanese, recognizing this difference helps to avoid confusion with similar terms.

Justice in Japanese culture and society

In Japan, the idea of 公正 is linked to values such as honor and social responsibility. Companies and institutions often emphasize the word in their codes of conduct, reinforcing the importance of treating everyone equally. This principle also appears in sporting competitions and contests, where impartiality is essential.

Interestingly, 公正 is not limited to serious contexts. In animes and dramas, for example, characters who advocate for just causes often use this word to express their ideals. This shows how the concept permeates both real life and fiction, reinforcing its role in the Japanese mindset. For Japanese learners, observing these uses can be a great way to solidify the meaning of the word.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 正義 (Seigi) - Justice
• 公平 (Kouhei) - Equity; balanced relationship, without favoritism
• 公正さ (Kouseisa) - Impartiality; characteristic of being fair
• 公平さ (Kouheisa) - Equity; emphasis on equality among all
• 公正性 (Kouseisei) - Quality of being fair; attribute of impartiality
• 公平性 (Kouheisei) - Character of being equitable; quality of acting justly.

公正

Romaji: kousei
Kana: こうせい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: justice; equity; impartiality

Meaning in English: justice;fairness;impartiality

Definition: To have a fair and impartial attitude.

Example Sentences - (公正) kousei

See below some example sentences:

司法は公正であるべきだ。

Shihou wa kousei de aru beki da

Justice must be impartial.

The judiciary must be fair.

• 司法 (shihou) - judicial system
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 公正 (kousei) - justice, impartiality
• である (dearu) - to be
• べき (beki) - should, duty
• だ (da) - to be

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 passive form meaning "was accomplished" or "was done"

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

この法廷は公正である。

Kono houtei wa kousei de aru

This court is fair.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 法廷 - noun meaning "court" or "courtroom"
• は - topic particle indicating that the subject of the sentence is "this court"
• 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• である - verb that indicates the polite and formal form of "to be" or "to stay"

この判決は公正であると信じています。

Kono hanketsu wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this decision is fair.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 判決 - Noun that means "verdict" or "sentence"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 公正 - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• である - verb to be in its formal form
• と - particle that indicates direct quotation
• 信じています - verb that means "believe" or "trust" in a polite and present form

この制度は公正であると信じています。

Kono seido wa kōsei de aru to shinjiteimasu

I believe this system is fair.

• この制度 - This policy/system
• は - Topic particle
• 公正 - Justo/imparcial
• である - To be
• と - Quotation particle
• 信じています - I believe

公正な判断をすることが重要です。

Kousei na handan wo suru koto ga juuyou desu

It is important to do fair judgments.

It is important to make a fair decision.

• 公正な - adjective meaning "fair" or "impartial"
• 判断 - noun meaning "judgment" or "decision"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• する - verb meaning "to do" or "to accomplish"
• こと - noun indicating an abstract action or event
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 重要 - Adjective meaning "important"
• です - auxiliary verb that indicates the polite or formal form of the sentence
• . - punctuation mark that indicates the end of the sentence

審判は公正であるべきだ。

Shinpan wa kousei de aru beki da

The referee must be fair.

• 審判 - referee/judge
• は - Topic particle
• 公正 - justice/impartiality
• で - mode particle
• ある - verb "to be/estar" in the present tense
• べき - suffix that indicates obligation/ necessity
• だ - verb "to be" in the present (casual form)