整然

• Reading: せいぜん
• Romaji: seizen
• Kanji breakdown: 整 (sei) — to arrange, orderly; 然 (zen) — manner, state suffix
• Pronunciation: /seizeɴ/

Meaning

Orderly; neat; well-organised; systematic and tidy in arrangement or manner.

A taru-adjective (整然とした / 整然と) describing a state of perfect, methodical order — whether of objects, processes, or thought. Often contrasted with 雑然 (chaotic, cluttered). The adverbial form 整然と is used to describe orderly queuing, organised writing, or systematic procedures.

Examples

1. 避難民は整然と列を作り、支援物資を受け取った。 The evacuees formed orderly lines to receive relief supplies.
2. 整然と整理された書類棚を見て、彼の几帳面さが伝わってきた。 Seeing the neatly organized filing shelves, I could tell how meticulous he was.
3. 論文は整然とした構成で、読者を論旨に引き込んだ。 The paper had such a well-structured composition that it drew readers into its argument.

Usage Guide

Context: organisation, writing, social behaviour, process

Tone: approving

Origin & History

From 整 (to arrange, put in order) and 然 (suffix indicating a state or manner, as in 突然, 当然). 整然 thus describes 'a state of being arranged'.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated