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March 24, 2026
正当(正當)zhèngdàng(zheng4dang4)
正当 (zhèngdāng) refers to something that is appropriate, timely, and reasonable within a specific context. It is often used to describe actions or decisions that are just and fair, making it a common term in discussions about ethics or legality.
Strokes11Frequency#4698DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 正当 is deeply connected to Confucian values of fairness and righteousness, which are foundational in social relationships and governance. It reflects the importance placed on ethical behavior in both personal and public life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a judge sitting straight (正) with a balanced scale (当) symbolizing fairness and justice. The judge’s role is to ensure that decisions are timely and reasonable. This image helps you remember both the pronunciation and meaning of 正当.
Meanings of 正当
zhèngdàng(zheng4dang4)
primary
1timely
2just (when needed)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 正当
正当Simplified
正當Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#4698Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 正当
Podcast: 正当
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AI Study Notes for 正当
Quick Contrast
合适 (héshì) - use 正当 when emphasizing fairness and appropriateness in ethical contexts, while 合适 focuses more on suitability without the moral implication.
Usage Notes
正当 is typically used in formal contexts, especially in legal or ethical discussions. Common mistakes include confusing it with synonyms like 合理 (hélǐ, reasonable) or 适当 (shìdàng, appropriate), which can have slightly different connotations. Ensure to use the correct tone, as mixing tones can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 正当 is essential for discussing complex ideas about morality and legality. Students should focus on using it in sentences that discuss fairness, justice, or appropriateness in various contexts to reinforce understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 正当 with 及时 (jíshí), which means timely but lacks the moral connotation of 正当. For example, saying '这件事是及时的' (This matter is timely) instead of '这是正当的' (This is just/right) can misrepresent the intended meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 正当
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正当 (zhèngdāng) refers to something that is appropriate, timely, and reasonable within a specific context. It is often used to describe actions or decisions that are just and fair, making it a common term in discussions about ethics or legality.
When to use 正当
正当 is typically used in formal contexts, especially in legal or ethical discussions. Common mistakes include confusing it with synonyms like 合理 (hélǐ, reasonable) or 适当 (shìdàng, appropriate), which can have slightly different connotations. Ensure to use the correct tone, as mixing tones can change the meaning.
正当 or something close to it
合适 (héshì) - use 正当 when emphasizing fairness and appropriateness in ethical contexts, while 合适 focuses more on suitability without the moral implication.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 正当 with 及时 (jíshí), which means timely but lacks the moral connotation of 正当. For example, saying '这件事是及时的' (This matter is timely) instead of '这是正当的' (This is just/right) can misrepresent the intended meaning.
Write 正当
正
当
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Grammar Patterns of 正当
正当 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我会接受任何给我的工作，只要是____的。
I will take any job that comes along, within reason.
