正鵠

• Reading: せいこく
• Romaji: seikoku
• Kanji breakdown: 正 (sei) — correct, exact; 鵠 (koku) — bull's-eye, target centre
• Pronunciation: /seikokɯ/

Meaning

The mark; the bull's-eye; the precise point or truth of a matter.

A formal noun seen mainly in the set phrases 正鵠を射る (to hit the mark, to be spot-on) and 正鵠を得る (to grasp the point). It describes an observation, argument, or judgement that exactly captures the essence of an issue. The word is rare and literary, prized for its precision.

Examples

1. その批評は現代社会の問題点の正鵠を射ていた。 That critique hit the mark regarding the problems of modern society.
2. 彼のコメントは正鵠を得ており、会場が静まり返った。 His comment was right on target, and the entire audience fell silent.
3. 短い言葉で正鵠を突くのが優れた評論家の条件だ。 The hallmark of a great critic is the ability to hit the bull's-eye with just a few words.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, criticism, formal speech

Tone: precise

Origin & History

From classical Chinese archery: 正 (exact, correct) and 鵠 (the white centre of a target — from 鵠, a kind of swan used on targets). 正鵠 thus literally means hitting the white spot at the centre.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical–Present

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated