Translation and Meaning of: 正しい - tadashii

The Japanese word 正しい (ただしい, tadashii) is an essential term for anyone studying the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "correct" or "just," but it carries nuances that reflect deep values of Japanese society. In this article, we will explore everything from the origin of the kanji to everyday usage, including curiosities and tips for memorization. If you seek to understand how the Japanese perceive the concept of "correct," you are in the right place – and Suki Nihongo, the best online Japanese dictionary, will help you on this journey.

The meaning and the kanjis of 正しい

The word 正しい is composed of the kanji 正, which means "correct" or "just," followed by the suffix しい, common in adjectives. The radical of 正 is 止 (to stop), combined with 一 (one), suggesting the idea of "aligning with what is unique and true." This visual construction reinforces the sense of precision and integrity that the word carries.

In daily life, the Japanese use 正しい to describe actions, answers, or behaviors that follow rules, logic, or morality. For example, saying "正しい答え" (tadashii kotae) means "the correct answer." Unlike 正確 (せいかく, precise), which refers to technical accuracy, 正しい has a more subjective tone, linked to ethics.

Cultural and philosophical use of 正しい

In Japan, being 正しい goes beyond factual correctness; it is related to harmonizing with social expectations. Companies use the term in codes of conduct, and parents teach it to children to reinforce values such as honesty. A study from the University of Tokyo (2018) indicated that 正しい is one of the 100 most used words in school manuals, highlighting its importance in education.

Philosophers like Watsuji Tetsurō relate 正しい to the concept of 義 (gi, justice), the foundation of Bushido. In animes like "Naruto," characters like Rock Lee embody this quest for the "correct path." But be careful: in informal contexts, young people may use ヤバい (yabai) for good things, reserving 正しい for more formal situations.

Tips to memorize and use 正しい

To remember the kanji 正, think of it as a ruler (一) over a target (止), instruments that "correct" deviations. Also, the reading ただしい sounds like "tá certo" in Portuguese – a useful association for beginners. Apps like Anki allow you to create cards with phrases like "正しい方法" (correct method) for practice.

Avoid confusing 正しい with 真面目 (まじめ, serious) or 正当 (せいとう, legitimate). One tip is to observe that 正しい often appears with abstract nouns ("correct thought"), while 正確 pairs with measurable data ("exact time"). If you hear 正しくない (tadashikunai), it means something is "wrong" or "unfair."

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 正確な (seikaku na) - I need, right, exact.
• 正当な (seitō na) - Just, legitimate, valid.
• 正しい (tadashii) - Correct, right, fair.
• 正式な (seishiki na) - Official, formal, procedural.
• 正義の (seigi no) - Fair, related to justice, ethical.
• 正直な (shōjiki na) - Honest, sincere, true.

正しい

Romaji: tadashii
Kana: ただしい
Type: adjective
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: right; fair; correct; fair; honest; TRUE; adequate; direct; perfect

Meaning in English: right;just;correct;righteous;honest;truthful;proper;straightforward;perfect

Definition: A concise definition that clearly states the meaning of the word or concept.

Example Sentences - (正しい) tadashii

See below some example sentences:

この書類は正しい形式で提出してください。

Kono shorui wa tadashii keishiki de teishutsu shite kudasai

Please send this document in the correct format.

Submit this document in the correct format.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document"
• は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
• 正しい - adjective meaning "correct"
• 形式 - noun meaning "shape"
• で - particle that indicates the means or method used
• 提出 - noun meaning "submission"
• して - verb form of the verb "suru" (to do)
• ください - imperative form of the verb "kudasai" (please do)

「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.

チップを払うのは礼儀正しいです。

Chippu wo harau no wa reigi tadashii desu

It's polite to tip.

Paying for chips is polite.

• チップ - "gorjeta" means "チップ" in Japanese.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• 払う - verb that means "to pay".
• のは - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 礼儀正しい - Adjective that means "courteous" or "polite".
• です - Verb "to be" in the present tense.

正しい道を歩きましょう。

Tadashii michi wo arukimashou

Let's walk the right way.

Let's walk the right road.

• 正しい - adjective meaning "correct" or "right"
• 道 - noun meaning "path" or "road"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 歩き - verb meaning "walk" or "walk"
• ましょう - suffix indicating a suggestion or invitation to do something

礼儀正しい人は尊敬される。

Reigi tadashii hito wa sonkei sareru

An educated and courteous person is respected.

Educated people are respected.

• 礼儀正しい - respectful, courteous
• 人 - person
• は - Topic particle
• 尊敬される - to be respected, to be admired

私の予想は正しかった。

Watashi no yosou wa tadashikatta

My forecast was correct.

My expectation was right.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 予想 - noun meaning "forecast" or "expectation"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正しかった - verb in the past that means "I was correct" or "I got it right"