正当

• Pinyin: zhèng dàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 正 = 一 (one) + 止 (stop), stopping at the correct place; 当 = 尚 (still) + 田 (field) simplified

Meaning

Legitimate; proper; justifiable. Also: just at the time when.

As an adjective, describes actions, rights, or interests that are lawful and reasonable. As a conjunction, means 'just when' or 'at the very moment'. In legal contexts, 正当防卫 means 'justifiable self-defense'.

Examples

1. 每个公民都有正当的权利维护自己的利益。 Every citizen has the legitimate right to protect their own interests.
2. 正当我准备出门的时候，突然下起了大雨。 Just as I was about to go out, it suddenly started raining heavily.
3. 法律保护公民的正当权益不受侵犯。 The law protects citizens' legitimate rights and interests from being violated.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, rights, timing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这是你的正当权利。(This is your legitimate right.)
• 正当年轻的时候，要多学习。(While you're still young, study more.)

Don't Say

• 他的偷窃是正当的。(Contradictory — stealing cannot be 正当 by definition)

Origin & History

Compound of 正 (correct, upright) and 当 (appropriate, should). Together they mean appropriate and legitimate.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal