正

• Pinyin: zhèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 正 = 一 (one/target) + 止 (foot/stop) — heading straight towards a goal; correct, just now

Meaning

Just; right now. An adverb indicating an action is happening at this moment.

When used as an adverb before a verb, 正 indicates that an action is in progress at a specific moment. Often combined with 在 to form 正在, or used with 呢 at the end of the sentence: 我正看书呢. Can also mean 'straight', 'correct', or 'main' in other contexts.

Examples

1. 我正吃饭呢。 I'm eating right now.
2. 他正看电视。 He's watching TV right now.
3. 老师正说话，请安静。 The teacher is speaking, please be quiet.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我正想给你打电话呢。(I was just about to call you.)
• 她正忙着呢。(She's busy right now.)

Don't Say

• 我正了吃饭。(Don't add 了 between 正 and the verb — say 我正吃饭 or 我正在吃饭)

Origin & History

The character 正 depicts a foot (止) heading towards a line or target (一), suggesting straightness, correctness, and being 'right on' a point in time.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal