正規

• Reading: せいき
• Romaji: seiki
• Kanji breakdown: 正 (sei/shō) — correct, proper; 規 (ki) — rule, standard
• Pronunciation: /seː.ki/

Meaning

Regular; legitimate; official. Describes something that follows proper rules or standards.

A noun and adjectival noun (with の or な) meaning conforming to established norms or standards. Common compounds include 正規品 (genuine product), 正規社員 (regular/permanent employee), and 正規の手続き (proper procedure). The opposite is 非正規 (irregular, non-standard).

Examples

1. 正規の手続きを踏まないと申請が通らない。 We are living in the 21st century.
2. 彼は正規社員として採用された。 That movie is called a masterpiece of the century.
3. この店では正規品しか取り扱っていません。 Science and technology advanced greatly in the 20th century.

Usage Guide

Context: business, legal, shopping

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound. 正 (sei, correct/proper) combined with 規 (ki, rule/standard), meaning 'conforming to the correct standard.'

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal