正
first month of the lunar year; straight; upright; proper; main; principal; to correct; to rectify; exactly; just (at that time); right (in that place); (math.) positive
Closest English meanings
correct·upright·main·proper
The Calligrapher — Yú Hé 俞和
Yuan calligrapher of refined regular and running-cursive script.
Yuan calligrapher (), master of regular script/running-cursive — known for 学赵孟頫. Yuan dynasty
Cultural Story
正 meant correct and upright, the vertical line that does not lean. The Shuowen reads it as 是, what is right, and the character's straight stroke made it the model of proper form. A ruler was 正 upright, the 正午 noon was the sun's true midday, and 正义 justice was right standing firm. To be 正 was to stand without shame before heaven and office.
Common words & phrases
- 正确 correct · right
- 正好 just right · exactly
- 正式 formal · official
- 正午 noon · midday
- 正面 front · positive
- 正义 justice · righteous
Read the story behind the character
Modern life leans on 正 constantly: we call an answer 正确 correct, arrive 正好 just in time, and attend a 正式 formal meeting. The 正午 noon sun beats down at lunch, a coin shows its 正面 front, and a court defends 正义 justice. From a maths test to a protest sign, 正 is the word for what is straight, true, and properly done.
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