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 terms. 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

正

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.

Example Sentences - (正) sei

See below some example sentences:

この回路は正常に動作しています。

Kono kairo wa seijō ni dōsa shite imasu

This circuit is working correctly.

This circuit works normally.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 回路 - noun that means "circuit"
• は - topic particle that indicates that the subject of the sentence is "this circuit"
• 正常 - adjective meaning "normal"
• に - particle that indicates the state in which the circuit is functioning
• 動作 - noun that means "operation" or "functioning"
• しています - verb that indicates the action of "being functional" or "being operational"

この情報は正確ですか？

Kono jōhō wa seikaku desu ka?

Is this information accurate?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 情報 - noun meaning "information"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle indicating a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この書類の内容は正確ですか？

Kono shorui no naiyo wa seikaku desu ka?

Is the contents of this document?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 内容 - noun meaning "content" or "information"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present and formal tenses
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

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

この精密な計器はとても正確です。

Kono seimitsu na keiki wa totemo seikaku desu

This precision tool is very accurate.

This precision instrument is very accurate.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 精密な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 計器 - noun meaning "measuring instrument"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite 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

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.

修正が必要です。

Shūsei ga hitsuyō desu

A correction is required.

Modification is required.

• 修正 - means "correction" or "adjustment" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential" in Japanese.
• です - Polite form of "to be" or "to stay" in Japanese.

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