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端正 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
端正duānzhènguprightHSK 7, nz, rank #19267, Hard
端正duānzhèngregularHSK 7, nz, rank #19267, Hard
端正duānzhèngproperHSK 7, nz, rank #19267, Hard
端正duānzhèngcorrectHSK 7, nz, rank #19267, Hard
duānzhèng(duan1zheng4) T1
  1. 1upright
  2. 2regular
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
端正duānzhèng(duan1zheng4)

The term 端正 (duānzhèng) refers to being upright, proper, or correct in behavior or appearance. It is often used to describe someone's posture, demeanor, or the correctness of actions, reflecting a sense of propriety and decorum in both personal and professional contexts.

Frequency#19267DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being 端正 reflects not only personal integrity but also social expectations of decorum and respectability, particularly in formal settings such as business meetings or ceremonies.

Memory Tip

Imagine a straight, tall statue that stands proudly (端 - duān) and correctly (正 - zhèng) representing the ideal of being upright. The image of a well-dressed, confident person can help you remember that 端正 signifies properness and correctness.

Meanings of 端正

duānzhèng(duan1zheng4)
1upright
2regular
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 端正

端正Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínzav (n.)Part of Speech
#19267Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 端正

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Podcast: 端正

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AI Study Notes for 端正

Quick Contrast

正直 (zhèngzhí) vs 端正 (duānzhèng): Use 端正 when emphasizing proper appearance or demeanor, while 正直 focuses on moral integrity.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a straight, tall statue that stands proudly (端 - duān) and correctly (正 - zhèng) representing the ideal of being upright. The image of a well-dressed, confident person can help you remember that 端正 signifies properness and correctness.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 端正 with similar words such as 正确 (zhèngquè), which specifically means 'correct' or 'right.' 端正 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is often associated with more serious topics like behavior and appearance. Remember to use the correct tones, especially with 端 (duān) being first tone and 正 (zhèng) being fourth tone.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 端正 connects with other words that describe qualities or states, such as 正确 (zhèngquè) for 'correct,' or 规范 (guīfàn) for 'standard.' Students should focus on understanding the nuances of propriety and uprightness conveyed by 端正 in various contexts.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, being 端正 reflects not only personal integrity but also social expectations of decorum and respectability, particularly in formal settings such as business meetings or ceremonies.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 端正 with 端午 (duānwǔ), which refers to the Dragon Boat Festival. Always remember that 端正 pertains to properness and correctness in behavior or appearance.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 端正

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Component Characters

duānend
HSK 614 strokes
View full entry
zhèngstraight
HSK 25 strokes
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Write 端正

Practice writing 端正 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 端正

端正 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 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 5

Complete the Sentence

他怄气道:“你态度不____。”

"You haven't got the right attitude," he said sulkily.

Example Sentences for 端正 (5)

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1
他怄气道:“你态度不端正。”

tā òu qì dào:“ :“ nǐ tài dù bù duān。”

"You haven't got the right attitude," he said sulkily.
2
善于倾听的人甚至坐姿也很坦荡端正:身体放松,双臂自然下垂。

shàn yú qīng tīng de rén shèn zhì zuò zī yě hěn tǎn dàng duān zhèng: : shēn tǐ fàng, sōng , shuāng bì zì rán。

Good listeners even sit in an open way: relaxed, arms loose.
3
迄今为止,这支军队作风端正。

qì jīn wéi zhǐ, , zhè zhī jūn duì zuò fēng duān。

The troops have been remarkably well-behaved so far.
4
这家副食店在墙上端端正正挂着一张服务公约.

zhè jiā fù shí diàn zài qiáng shàng duān duān zhèng zhèng guà zháo yī zhāng fú wù gōng yuē.

There hangs straight on the wall of this grocery a service pledge.
5
她虽穷,人品却很端正.

tā suī qióng, , rén pǐn què hěn duān.

She is poor but quite respectable.

Cultural Notes for 端正

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, being 端正 reflects not only personal integrity but also social expectations of decorum and respectability, particularly in formal settings such as business meetings or ceremonies.

Frequently Asked Questions about 端正

No, while it can describe physical posture, it also refers to behavior, character, and correctness in actions.