正如

• Pinyin: zhèng rú
• Hanzi breakdown: 正 = exactly/just; 如 = 女 (woman) + 口 (mouth), meaning like/as

Meaning

Just as; as; exactly like. Used to introduce a comparison or reference to something previously said.

A formal connector used in written and spoken Chinese to draw parallels. Common patterns: 正如...所说 (just as...said), 正如...一样 (just like...). Often used in essays, speeches, and formal discussions.

Examples

1. 正如我之前所说，这个项目需要更多时间。 Just as I said before, this project needs more time.
2. 正如大家所知，健康是最重要的。 As everyone knows, health is the most important thing.
3. 正如古人云，读书破万卷，下笔如有神。 As the ancients said, read ten thousand books and your writing will flow like divine inspiration.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, speeches, academic

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 正如你所见，情况很复杂。(As you can see, the situation is complicated.)
• 正如预期的那样，计划成功了。(Just as expected, the plan succeeded.)

Don't Say

• 正如我吃饭 (正如 needs a complete comparison clause — 正如...所... or 正如...一样)

Origin & History

Compound of 正 (just, exactly) and 如 (like, as). Exactly as/like.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal