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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.
Frequency#4698DifficultyHard
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
—Strokes
—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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
Scientists are becoming increasingly unsure of the validity of this technique.
3
他一直被那些指控他有不正当商业行为的说法所困扰。
tā yī zhí bèi nà xiē zhǐ kòng tā yǒu bù zhèng dāng shāng yè háng wéi de shuō fǎ suǒ kùn rǎo。
He has been dogged by allegations of questionable business practices.
4
那次偷袭是一种不正当的侵略行径。
nà cì tōu xí shì yī zhǒng bù zhèng dāng de qīn lüè háng jìng。
The raid was an unjustifiable act of aggression.
5
我不相信他是靠正当手段弄到那笔钱的。
wǒ bù xiāng xìn tā shì kào zhèng dāng shǒu duàn nòng dào nà bǐ qián de。
I can't believe he got that money honestly.
6
除用于非常特殊的目的以外,它不能算是正当的.
chú yòng yú fēi cháng tè shū de mù de yǐ wài, , tā bù néng suàn shì zhèng dāng.
It is not justifiable save for very special purposes.
7
被指称竞选运动中的不正当行为
bèi zhǐ chēng jìng xuǎn yùn dòng zhōng de bù zhèng dāng háng wéi
alleged irregularities in the election campaign
8
他用正当的手段挣了一些钱.
tā yòng zhèng dāng de shǒu duàn zhèng le yī xiē qián.
She made some money by licit means.
Cultural Notes for 正当
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 正当
It's more appropriate for formal discussions, particularly in legal or ethical contexts.
正当 emphasizes justice and appropriateness in a moral sense, while 合理 focuses more on logical reasonableness.
You can think of 'zheng' as 'right' or 'straight', and 'dang' as 'just right', linking to its meaning of being timely and fair.
