正しい

• Reading: ただしい
• Romaji: tadashii
• Kanji breakdown: 正 (sei/tada) — correct, right, proper
• Pronunciation: /ta.da.ɕi.i/

Meaning

Correct; right; proper; accurate. Describes something that conforms to rules, facts, or standards.

An i-adjective covering both factual correctness and moral rightness. Used for answers, behaviour, posture, grammar, and decisions. The negative form 正しくない means 'incorrect.' Often appears in educational and formal contexts. Conjugates like standard i-adjectives: 正しくて (te-form), 正しかった (past).

Examples

1. この答えは正しいですか。 Is this answer correct?
2. 正しい日本語の発音を練習しています。 I'm practicing correct Japanese pronunciation.
3. 彼はいつも正しい判断ができる人です。 He's someone who can always make the right decision.

Usage Guide

Context: education, evaluation, rules

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 正 combines 一 (one/straight) and 止 (stop/foot), originally depicting a foot aimed straight at a target — the concept of 'straight' or 'correct.' The adjective form 正しい has been used since Old Japanese.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal