正 kanji stroke order 正 japanese kanji writing 正 kanji diagram-kanji lookup

1. Kanji Breakdown: 正

This kanji represents a fundamental concept of correctness, righteousness, and alignment.

• Meaning: Correct, right, proper, just; positive (as in math); to fix, to correct.

• Reading:

• Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): セイ (sei), ショウ (shou)

• Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): ただ（しい） (tada(shii)), まさ (masa)

The kanji is a compound ideograph (会意文字). Its original form is a combination of:

• Top (一): Meaning "one," representing a target or a standard.

• Bottom (止): Meaning "to stop."

The original meaning is "to stop at the one (standard)," implying not going beyond what is proper. This evolved into the meanings of "correct," "right," and "just."

2. Stroke Order and Writing

Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "正" has 5 strokes.

Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:

Total Strokes: 5

1. The first horizontal stroke. (From left to right)

2. The left vertical stroke. (From top to bottom)

3. The second, shorter horizontal stroke. (From left to right)

4. The right vertical stroke. (From top to bottom)

5. The final horizontal stroke. (The base, from left to right)

Key Writing Tips:

• Write from top to bottom.

• The first horizontal stroke is the shortest, and the bottom horizontal stroke is the longest, giving the character a stable, pyramidal structure.

• The vertical strokes should be parallel and straight.

• The character should look balanced and firm, reflecting its meaning of "correctness."

3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences

Here are some common words using "正" and how to use them in sentences.

Vocabulary

1. 正しい (ただしい, tadashii)

• Meaning: Correct, right, proper.

• Example: 彼の答えは正しい。

• Romaji: Kare no kotae wa tadashii.

• English: His answer is correct.

2. 正確 (せいかく, seikaku)

• Meaning: Accurate, precise.

• Example: この時計は正確です。

• Romaji: Kono tokei wa seikaku desu.

• English: This watch is accurate.

3. 正解 (せいかい, seikai)

• Meaning: Correct answer, right solution.

• Example: クイズの正解は「桜」でした。

• Romaji: Kuizu no seikai wa "sakura" deshita.

• English: The correct answer to the quiz was "cherry blossom."

4. 正月 (しょうがつ, shougatsu)

• Meaning: New Year (the first month).

• Example: 正月には家族が集まります。

• Romaji: Shougatsu ni wa kazoku ga atsumarimasu.

• English: My family gathers for New Year.

5. 正義 (せいぎ, seigi)

• Meaning: Justice, righteousness.

• Example: 彼は正義感が強い。

• Romaji: Kare wa seigi-kan ga tsuyoi.

• English: He has a strong sense of justice.

6. 正午 (しょうご, shougo)

• Meaning: Noon, midday.

• Example: 会議は正午に始まります。

• Romaji: Kaigi wa shougo ni hajimarimasu.

• English: The meeting starts at noon.

7. 修正 (しゅうせい, shuusei)

• Meaning: Correction, revision, modification.

• Example: 書類を修正してください。

• Romaji: Shorui o shuusei shite kudasai.

• English: Please correct the document.

Summary

• Kanji: 正

• Core Meaning: Correct, Right, Just, Positive.

• Readings: On'yomi セイ (sei) / ショウ (shou), Kun'yomi ただしい (tadashii)

• Stroke Order: 5 strokes. Focus on the stable, pyramidal structure with a strong base.

This kanji is essential for expressing concepts of accuracy, justice, and propriety. By mastering its simple yet important stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character.