正义

• Pinyin: zhèng yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 正 = 一 (one) + 止 (stop) — upright, correct; 义 = 羊 (sheep) + 我 — righteousness

Meaning

Justice; righteousness. Moral rightness and fairness, or the quality of being just.

A fundamental ethical concept encompassing fairness, morality, and upholding what is right. Often used in phrases like 正义感 (sense of justice), 伸张正义 (uphold justice), 正义的一方 (the just side).

Examples

1. 人们都希望正义能够得到伸张。 People hope that justice can be upheld.
2. 他是一个很有正义感的人。 He is a person with a strong sense of justice.
3. 法律的目的是维护社会正义。 The purpose of law is to maintain social justice.

Usage Guide

Context: ethics, law, social

Tone: principled

Do Say

• 我们要为正义而战。(We must fight for justice.)
• 他充满了正义感。(He is full of a sense of justice.)

Don't Say

• 说'这个价格很正义'表示合理 (Don't use 正义 for reasonable prices — use 合理 or 公道; 正义 is for moral/ethical righteousness)

Origin & History

正 (upright, correct) + 义 (righteousness, meaning). Together meaning correct righteousness or justice.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal