修正

• Pinyin: xiū zhèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 修 = 亻 + 攸 + 彡 (correct/refine); 正 = 一 + 止 (correct/upright)

Meaning

To correct or rectify; to adjust something that is wrong or imperfect.

Broader than 修订 — applies to errors in behaviour, plans, theories, data, and documents. Implies identifying a flaw and actively correcting it. Common in academic, policy, and personal development contexts.

Examples

1. 实验数据经核查后发现存在偏差，研究人员立即对计算方法进行了修正，确保结论准确可靠。 After checking the experimental data, researchers found a deviation and immediately corrected the calculation method to ensure the conclusions were accurate and reliable.
2. 他听取了同事的批评意见，主动对工作计划中的几处失误进行了修正，令整个方案更加严谨。 He listened to his colleagues’ criticism and proactively corrected several mistakes in the work plan, making the overall proposal more rigorous.
3. 宪法修正案须经全国人民代表大会三分之二以上多数表决通过，程序严格，标准极高。 A constitutional amendment must be passed by a two-thirds majority of the National People’s Congress; the procedure is strict and the standards are extremely high.

Usage Guide

Context: academia, law, policy, personal development

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 模型的预测结果与实际数据存在显著偏差，团队随即对算法参数进行了系统修正。(The model's predictions showed significant deviation from actual data; the team immediately made systematic corrections to the algorithm parameters.)
• 修正错误需要勇气，只有敢于承认不足并加以改正的人，才能持续进步与成长。(Correcting errors requires courage; only those who dare to acknowledge shortcomings and remedy them can continue to grow and improve.)

Don't Say

• 修正天气 — 修正 applies to man-made errors, plans, or theories that can be corrected; natural phenomena cannot be 修正; use 干预 or 调节 for influencing environmental conditions

Origin & History

修 (correct/refine) + 正 (correct/right) — to correct and make right what is wrong

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal