Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 adjective #4,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

公正

kosei Top 4,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 公正 en 30 secondes

Explication 公正 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'kōsei' (公正) very often because it is a formal word. Instead, you usually learn words like 'tadashii' (correct) or 'zuru-i' (unfair/sneaky). However, you might see 'kōsei' in very simple signs or rules. Think of it as a 'big word' for 'fair.' If you are playing a game with Japanese friends and everyone follows the rules, that is the beginning of 'kōsei.' Just remember it means 'publicly correct.' At this level, focus on recognizing the kanji: 公 (public) and 正 (correct). If you see these two together, someone is talking about doing things the right way so everyone is happy and the rules are followed. You won't hear people say this in a casual greeting, but you might hear it if a teacher is talking about a test. It's a 'good' word that describes a 'good' and 'honest' situation.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the A2 level, you can start to understand that 'kōsei' (公正) is used for official fairness. You might hear it in the news or read it in a simple article about sports. For example, 'kōsei-na purē' (fair play). At this level, you should know that it is a 'na-adjective.' This means if you want to describe a fair rule, you say 'kōsei-na rūru.' If you want to say someone acted fairly, you say 'kōsei ni.' You are beginning to distinguish between 'fair' as a feeling and 'fair' as a rule. While you might still use 'fea' (the English loanword) in sports, using 'kōsei' makes you sound more serious and respectful of the rules. It is a useful word for when you want to talk about things being 'right' in a way that everyone can see. It is especially common when talking about teachers, bosses, or referees who don't have 'favorites.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'kōsei' (公正) in your own writing and speaking, especially in professional or academic settings. This is the level where you distinguish 'kōsei' from 'kōhei' (公平). Remember: 'kōhei' is about everyone getting the same amount (impartiality), while 'kōsei' is about following the correct, just rules (justice). For example, if a company hires people based only on their skills and not who they know, that is 'kōsei-na saiyō' (fair hiring). You will encounter this word frequently in JLPT N3 and N2 reading materials. It often appears in discussions about social issues, business ethics, and legal rights. You should also learn common phrases like 'kōsei-na handan' (a fair judgment) and 'kōsei-na torihiki' (fair trade). Using this word correctly shows that you understand the formal nuances of Japanese society and the importance of objective standards.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'kōsei' (公正) with precision in complex discussions. You should understand its role in the 'Kōsei Torihiki Iinkai' (Fair Trade Commission) and other governmental contexts. You can use it to debate topics like social justice, market competition, and legal transparency. At this stage, you should be comfortable with the adverbial form 'kōsei ni' and the noun form 'kōsei.' You might use the phrase 'kōsei o kisu' (to ensure fairness) in a formal presentation or essay. You also understand that 'kōsei' implies a lack of 'shiteki rieki' (private interest) and 'henken' (prejudice). When reading editorials or listening to political speeches, you will notice how 'kōsei' is used to build trust with the audience. It is a keyword for anyone wanting to work in a Japanese company or study at a Japanese university, as it is central to the concept of 'compliance' and 'corporate social responsibility.'

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, your understanding of 'kōsei' (公正) should include its philosophical and legal underpinnings. You can discuss the difference between 'procedural fairness' (tetsuzuki no kōsei-sei) and 'substantive justice.' You are aware of how 'kōsei' is used in the Japanese Constitution and how it relates to international law. You can use the word in high-level academic writing to analyze the 'kōsei-sei' (fairness/integrity) of a system or a historical event. You also recognize the word in various compounds like 'kōsei-shōsho' (notarized deed) and understand the legal weight that this word carries. At this level, you can appreciate the subtle rhetorical use of 'kōsei' to frame arguments about equity vs. equality. You are also sensitive to the cultural nuance that 'kōsei' often involves a collective sense of 'rightness' that maintains social order, rather than just an individual's right to be treated equally.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'kōsei' (公正) and all its nuances. You can use it in legal arguments, philosophical treatises, or high-level diplomatic negotiations. You understand the historical evolution of the term from its kanji roots to its modern application in globalized trade and human rights. You can effortlessly switch between 'kōsei,' 'kōhei,' 'seigi,' and 'seitō' to convey the exact shade of justice or fairness required by the context. You are also aware of the word's limitations and the potential for it to be used as a 'buzzword' in political rhetoric. Your mastery allows you to critique the 'kōsei-sei' of complex algorithms in AI or the nuances of 'kōsei' in the context of historical reparations. For you, 'kōsei' is not just a vocabulary word, but a lens through which to view and describe the structural integrity of social and legal systems at the highest level of Japanese discourse.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

公正 en 30 secondes

A formal Japanese term meaning 'just' or 'fair,' used primarily in legal, business, and official settings to denote objectivity and adherence to rules.
Grammatically a na-adjective, it emphasizes the 'rightness' of a process or decision rather than just the equality of the outcome for individuals.
Commonly paired with words like 'judgment,' 'transaction,' 'election,' and 'trade' to indicate that the spirit of the law and ethics are being followed.
Distinct from 'kōhei' (impartiality/equal distribution), 'kōsei' carries a heavier moral and legal weight, implying a standard that is publicly and officially correct.

The Japanese word 公正 (こうせい - kōsei) is a sophisticated term that translates to 'just,' 'fair,' or 'equitable.' While it shares some conceptual ground with the English word 'fair,' it carries a significantly more formal and official weight. In Japanese, it is primarily used in contexts involving law, business, sports officiating, and governance. It isn't a word you would typically use to complain about a small sibling getting a bigger piece of cake; for that, you would use kouhei (公平). Instead, kōsei refers to the adherence to an objective, righteous standard that is free from bias or personal interest.

Etymological Breakdown: The first kanji, 公 (kō), means 'public,' 'official,' or 'governmental.' It represents something that belongs to the community rather than the individual. The second kanji, 正 (sei), means 'correct,' 'righteous,' or 'proper.' Together, they form a concept of 'public correctness'—a standard of fairness that is visible and accountable to society.
Social Context: In Japanese society, maintaining kōsei is seen as a pillar of social harmony (wa). It ensures that competition—whether in the marketplace or the classroom—is conducted on a level playing field. When a company is accused of unfair practices, the Kōsei Torihiki Iinkai (Fair Trade Commission) steps in to investigate. The word implies a lack of 'shiki' (personal feelings) or 'henken' (prejudice).

裁判官は常に公正な判断を下さなければならない。(Saibankan wa tsune ni kōsei na handan o kudasanakereba naranai.)

Translation: A judge must always render a just and fair judgment.

One of the most common places you will encounter this word is in the term kōsei-na torihiki (fair trade/transaction). This doesn't just refer to the 'Fairtrade' movement for coffee and chocolate, but to any business dealing that follows legal and ethical guidelines. It is the opposite of corruption, nepotism, or under-the-table deals. If you are watching the news in Japan, you will frequently hear this word in discussions about elections (kōsei-na senkyo) or international treaties.

この試験はすべての受験生に対して公正に行われます。(Kono shiken wa subete no jukensei ni taishite kōsei ni okonawaremasu.)

Translation: This examination is conducted fairly for all examinees.

The 'Na-Adjective' Nature: Grammatically, kōsei is a na-adjective. This means it requires the particle 'na' when modifying a noun directly (e.g., kōsei-na shakai - a just society) and 'ni' when used as an adverb (e.g., kōsei ni handan suru - to judge fairly). Understanding this structural behavior is key to using the word naturally in professional writing.

In summary, kōsei is the gold standard of impartiality in the Japanese language. It evokes the image of a scale in perfect balance, not swayed by the weight of money, power, or personal relationships. When you use this word, you are appealing to the highest sense of ethical conduct and social integrity.

Using 公正 (kōsei) correctly requires an understanding of its syntactic patterns. As a na-adjective and a noun, it fits into several common grammatical structures. Whether you are discussing legal matters or competitive sports, the following patterns will help you integrate the word into your Japanese vocabulary effectively.

Pattern 1: [Noun] + は + 公正だ (The [Noun] is fair): This is the simplest predicative form. It is used to state that a process, rule, or decision is just. For example: Kono rūru wa kōsei da (This rule is fair). In formal writing, use kōsei de aru.
Pattern 2: 公正な + [Noun] (A fair [Noun]): Use this when the adjective directly modifies a noun. Common nouns include handan (judgment), torihiki (transaction), senkyo (election), and hyōka (evaluation). Example: Kōsei-na hyōka o motomeru (We demand a fair evaluation).

会社は従業員に対して公正な賃金を支払うべきです。(Kaisha wa jūgyōin ni taishite kōsei na chingin o shiharau beki desu.)

Translation: Companies should pay fair wages to their employees.

When you want to describe how an action is performed, you use the adverbial form kōsei ni. This is frequently paired with verbs like suru (to do), atsukau (to treat), or shikkō suru (to execute/enforce). For instance, Kōsei ni atsukau means 'to treat fairly.' This is a vital phrase in HR settings or when discussing human rights.

彼は公正を期すために、第三者の意見を聞いた。(Kare wa kōsei o kisu tame ni, daisansha no iken o kiita.)

Translation: To ensure fairness, he listened to the opinions of a third party.

Advanced Usage: 公正を期す (Kōsei o kisu): This is a set phrase meaning 'to ensure fairness' or 'to aim for justice.' It is highly formal and used in official announcements or legal documents. It shows a proactive commitment to being unbiased.

In summary, use kōsei when the situation calls for a high level of objectivity. It is the language of the courtroom, the boardroom, and the official rulebook. By mastering its 'na' and 'ni' forms, you can express complex ideas about justice and ethics in Japanese with precision.

Because 公正 (kōsei) is a high-register word, you are more likely to encounter it in scripted or professional environments than in a casual chat over coffee. Understanding these specific domains will help you recognize the word's cultural and social significance in Japan.

1. The News and Media: Japanese news broadcasts (like NHK) frequently use kōsei when reporting on elections, especially in foreign countries where transparency might be an issue. You will hear phrases like kōsei-na senkyo ga okonawareta (a fair election was held). It is also the standard term for the 'Fair Trade Commission' (Kōsei Torihiki Iinkai), which regulates monopolies and ensures healthy competition.
2. Law and Justice: In the legal system, kōsei is paramount. It appears in the Japanese Constitution and in various legal codes. Kōsei-na saiban (a fair trial) is a fundamental right. Lawyers and judges use this word to argue about the validity of evidence and the impartiality of the proceedings.

スポーツの世界では、公正なプレーが最も重視される。(Supōtsu no sekai de wa, kōsei na purē ga mottomo jūshi sareru.)

Translation: In the world of sports, fair play is most highly valued.

Another common domain is sports. While 'fair play' is often used as a loanword (fea purē), formal sports organizations in Japan use kōsei to describe the integrity of the game. When a referee makes a call, they are expected to be kōsei-muyu (fair and selfless). In the context of the Olympics or national tournaments, the emphasis on kōsei is a matter of national and organizational pride.

政府は公正取引の原則を守るよう企業に求めた。(Seifu wa kōsei torihiki no gensoku o mamoru yō kigyō ni motometa.)

Translation: The government asked companies to adhere to the principles of fair trade.

Finally, you will hear this word in educational settings, particularly in 'Moral Education' (Dōtoku) classes. Students are taught about kōsei as a virtue—being a person who doesn't show favoritism and who stands up for what is right. It is considered a mark of a mature, responsible citizen (shakaijin).

Because the concept of 'fairness' is so broad in English, learners often struggle with the specific boundaries of 公正 (kōsei). Here are the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them to ensure your Japanese sounds natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 公正 (Kōsei) with 公平 (Kōhei): This is the most common error. Kōhei usually refers to 'impartiality' or 'equal distribution' (everyone gets an equal share). Kōsei refers to 'justice' or 'correctness' according to an objective standard. If you are dividing a pizza, use kōhei. If you are judging a murder trial, use kōsei. Using kōsei for a pizza would sound hilariously over-dramatic, as if the pizza division were a matter of national law.
Mistake 2: Using it as a general 'complaint' word: In English, kids often shout 'That's not fair!' In Japanese, a child would say Zuru-i! or Fukōhei da!. Saying Kōsei de wa nai! in a casual argument sounds like you are a character in a historical drama or a lawyer in a courtroom. It is too stiff for personal relationships.

× ケーキを公正に分ける。
○ ケーキを公平に分ける。(Kēki o kōhei ni wakeru.)

Correction: Use 'kōhei' for physical distribution of items.

Another mistake involves the 'na' and 'ni' particles. Remember that kōsei is a na-adjective. Some learners forget the 'na' when connecting it to a noun, saying kōsei handan instead of kōsei-na handan. While the former might appear in newspaper headlines (which often drop particles for brevity), in spoken or written Japanese, the 'na' is essential for grammatical correctness.

× 彼は公正な友達だ。
○ 彼は誠実な友達だ。(Kare wa seijitsu na tomodachi da.)

Correction: Use 'seijitsu' (sincere/honest) to describe a person's character in friendship.

Finally, be careful with the kanji. Do not confuse kōsei (公正) with kōsei (構成 - composition/structure) or kōsei (更生 - rehabilitation). They are all pronounced the same way but have completely different meanings. Always check the context to ensure you are talking about 'fairness' and not 'rehabilitating a criminal' or 'the structure of a sentence.'

Japanese has several words that touch upon the idea of fairness, justice, and equality. Choosing the right one depends entirely on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. Here is a breakdown of 公正 (kōsei) versus its closest synonyms.

1. 公平 (Kōhei) - Impartiality / Evenness: This is the closest synonym. While kōsei focuses on 'legal/moral correctness,' kōhei focuses on 'lack of bias' and 'equal treatment.' If you give two students 10 minutes to finish a task, that is kōhei. If you grade them strictly by the rubric, that is kōsei. They often appear together as kōsei-kōhei (fair and impartial).
2. 正義 (Seigi) - Justice: This is a much 'bigger' word. Seigi is the abstract concept of Justice with a capital J. It's what superheroes fight for. Kōsei is more procedural—it's about the fairness of the system or the decision. You might fight for seigi by ensuring the trial is kōsei.

私たちは公平な機会をすべての人に提供する。(Watashitachi wa kōhei na kikai o subete no hito ni teikyō suru.)

Nuance: Offering 'equal opportunity' (kōhei) to everyone.

For more everyday situations, you might use tadashii (correct/right). If a teacher makes a fair decision in class, a student might say Sore wa tadashii to omoimasu (I think that's right). Tadashii is much less formal than kōsei and is used in daily conversation. Another alternative is matomo, which means 'proper' or 'decent,' often used when someone is acting in a way that is fair and expected.

この決定は法律的に見て正当である。(Kono kettei wa hōritsuteki ni mite seitō de aru.)

Nuance: This decision is 'legitimate/justified' (seitō) from a legal standpoint.

Finally, there is seitō (正当), which means 'legitimate' or 'justifiable.' While kōsei is about the process being fair, seitō is about the result being legally or logically valid. For example, seitō bōei means 'self-defense' (literally 'justifiable defense'). If you are justifying an action based on rules, seitō is often the better choice.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji 公 (kō) originally depicted a mouth (口) with a cover, suggesting a private thing being opened up for the public. The kanji 正 (sei) shows a foot (止) moving toward a target line (一), meaning 'to go straight' or 'correct.'

Guide de prononciation

UK /koʊ.seɪ/

US /koʊ.seɪ/

Flat pitch (Heiban) in Japanese, but in English transliteration, equal stress on both syllables.

Rime avec

構成 (kōsei - composition) 更生 (kōsei - rehabilitation) 恒星 (kōsei - fixed star) 校正 (kōsei - proofreading) 攻勢 (kōsei - offensive) 公成 (kōsei - public formation) 後世 (kōsei - future generations) 厚生 (kōsei - public welfare)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it as 'kosei' (short o), which means 'individuality.'
Pronouncing it as 'kōsai,' which means 'intercourse' or 'public debt.'
Confusing the pitch accent with 'kōsei' (composition).
Failing to elongate the 'o' in 'kō'.
Failing to elongate the 'e' in 'sei'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 6/5

The kanji are common but the word appears in complex texts.

Écriture 7/5

Requires remembering the 'na-adjective' structure and formal usage.

Expression orale 5/5

Easy to pronounce, but hard to use in the correct social register.

Écoute 6/5

Must distinguish from many homophones like 'composition' or 'individuality'.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

正しい (Correct) ルール (Rule) 公共 (Public) 裁判 (Trial) 平等 (Equality)

Apprends ensuite

公平 (Impartiality) 正義 (Justice) 正当 (Legitimate) 倫理 (Ethics) 透明性 (Transparency)

Avancé

分配的公正 (Distributive justice) 公正妥当 (Fair and appropriate) 非対称性 (Asymmetry) 担保する (To guarantee) 是正する (To rectify)

Grammaire à connaître

Na-Adjective Modification

公正な判断 (Kōsei-na handan)

Adverbial 'ni' form

公正に評価する (Kōsei ni hyōka suru)

Noun + o kisu (To aim for/ensure)

公正を期す (Kōsei o kisu)

Compound Noun Formation

公正取引 (Kōsei torihiki)

Negative form (ja nai / de wa nai)

それは公正ではない (Sore wa kōsei de wa nai)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

これは公正なルールです。

This is a fair rule.

公正な (na-adjective) modifies the noun ルール.

公正にしましょう。

Let's be fair.

公正に (adverbial form) + しましょう (let's do).

彼は公正な人です。

He is a fair person.

公正な modifies the person (person who follows rules).

公正なテストが必要です。

A fair test is necessary.

公正な modifies the test.

それは公正ではありません。

That is not fair.

Negative form of the adjective.

みんな公正に遊びます。

Everyone plays fairly.

Adverbial use describing the action of playing.

公正な答えをください。

Please give a fair answer.

Requesting a fair (unbiased) response.

公正は大切です。

Fairness is important.

Using 公正 as a noun/subject.

審判は公正な判断をしました。

The referee made a fair judgment.

Standard use in sports officiating.

公正な取引を心がけています。

We strive for fair trade.

心がける (to keep in mind/strive for).

結果は公正に発表されます。

The results will be announced fairly.

Passive verb (発表される) with adverb.

公正な社会を作りたいです。

I want to create a fair society.

Modified noun 'society' (shakai).

先生は公正に生徒を評価します。

The teacher evaluates students fairly.

Evaluating (hyōka suru) fairly.

公正な競争が必要です。

Fair competition is necessary.

Competition (kyōsō).

彼は公正な意見を言いました。

He gave a fair opinion.

Opinion (iken).

公正な扱いを受けました。

I received fair treatment.

Treatment (atsukai).

公正取引委員会が調査を始めた。

The Fair Trade Commission started an investigation.

Specific proper noun for a government agency.

公正を期すために、名前を隠して採点する。

To ensure fairness, we grade with the names hidden.

Phrase 'kōsei o kisu' (to ensure fairness).

この契約は公正な手続きを経て結ばれた。

This contract was concluded through fair procedures.

を経て (through/via) + procedural fairness.

情報を公正に公開すべきだ。

Information should be disclosed fairly.

公開する (to disclose/make public).

公正な分配が求められている。

Fair distribution is being demanded.

Distribution (bunpai).

彼は公正な立場から助言した。

He gave advice from a fair standpoint.

Standpoint/Position (tachiba).

公正な選挙が行われることを願う。

I hope a fair election will be held.

Election (senkyo).

裁判所は公正な判決を下した。

The court handed down a just verdict.

Verdict/Judgment (hanketsu).

公正な競争環境の整備が急務だ。

Establishing a fair competitive environment is an urgent task.

整備 (establishment/maintenance) + 急務 (urgent task).

彼は常に公正無私の精神で仕事に臨んでいる。

He always approaches his work with a spirit of fairness and selflessness.

Four-character idiom: 公正無私 (kōsei mushi).

データの公正な利用に関するガイドラインが策定された。

Guidelines regarding the fair use of data have been formulated.

策定された (formulated/established).

メディアは公正中立な報道を維持しなければならない。

The media must maintain fair and neutral reporting.

公正中立 (fair and neutral).

社会的な公正を実現するための政策が必要だ。

Policies to realize social justice are necessary.

実現する (to realize/actualize).

公正な賃金体系の構築が求められている。

The construction of a fair wage system is being demanded.

賃金体系 (wage system).

彼は裁判の公正さを疑っている。

He doubts the fairness of the trial.

Noun form: 公正さ (fairness/degree of fairness).

公正な機会均等を保障する。

To guarantee fair equal opportunity.

機会均等 (equal opportunity) + 保障 (guarantee).

手続きの公正が担保されていなければ、法治国家とは言えない。

If procedural fairness is not guaranteed, it cannot be called a state governed by the rule of law.

担保される (to be guaranteed/secured).

市場の公正性を損なう行為は厳しく罰せられる。

Acts that undermine the fairness of the market are severely punished.

損なう (to damage/undermine).

公正な価格形成を妨げる談合が発覚した。

Collusion that hinders fair price formation was discovered.

談合 (bid-rigging/collusion).

グローバルな視点での公正な資源配分が議論されている。

Fair resource allocation from a global perspective is being discussed.

資源配分 (resource allocation).

この論文は公正なピアレビューを経て掲載された。

This paper was published after going through a fair peer review.

ピアレビュー (peer review).

歴史的な不公正を是正するための措置が講じられた。

Measures were taken to rectify historical injustices.

是正する (to rectify/correct).

公正な競争を阻害する要因を排除する。

To eliminate factors that inhibit fair competition.

阻害する (to inhibit/hinder).

情報の非対称性が公正な取引を困難にしている。

Information asymmetry is making fair transactions difficult.

情報の非対称性 (information asymmetry).

公正妥当と認められる会計基準に従って作成された。

Prepared in accordance with accounting standards recognized as fair and appropriate.

公正妥当 (fair and appropriate - standard legal/accounting phrase).

分配的公正の概念は、現代の政治哲学において中心的な課題である。

The concept of distributive justice is a central issue in modern political philosophy.

分配的公正 (distributive justice).

司法の独立は、公正な裁判を担保するための不可欠な要件である。

Judicial independence is an indispensable requirement for guaranteeing a fair trial.

不可欠な要件 (indispensable requirement).

アルゴリズムによる選別が、いかなる公正性の基準に基づいているかを問う必要がある。

It is necessary to question what criteria of fairness algorithmic selection is based on.

いかなる (what kind of/any kind of).

公正証書の作成により、債務履行の確実性を高める。

The creation of a notarized deed enhances the certainty of debt performance.

公正証書 (notarized deed).

自由主義社会における公正な機会の提供は、能力主義の正当性を支える。

The provision of fair opportunities in a liberal society supports the legitimacy of meritocracy.

能力主義 (meritocracy).

環境的公正の観点から、有害廃棄物の処理場所を再考する。

Reconsider the disposal sites for hazardous waste from the perspective of environmental justice.

環境的公正 (environmental justice).

法の支配が形骸化すれば、社会の公正は維持し得ない。

If the rule of law becomes a mere formality, social justice cannot be maintained.

形骸化 (becoming a mere shell/formality).

Collocations courantes

公正な判断

公正な取引

公正な選挙

公正な評価

公正な分配

公正を期す

公正中立

公正な手続き

公正な競争

公正な社会

Phrases Courantes

公正取引委員会

— The Fair Trade Commission. A government agency that ensures fair competition.

公正取引委員会が独占を禁止する。

公正証書

— A notarized deed. A legal document prepared by a notary public.

遺言書を公正証書にする。

公正な価格

— A fair price. A price determined by healthy market forces.

公正な価格で商品を売買する。

公正な扱い

— Fair treatment. Being treated without discrimination.

すべての従業員に公正な扱いをする。

公正な意見

— A fair/unbiased opinion. An opinion not influenced by personal gain.

公正な意見を聞かせてください。

公正な裁判

— A fair trial. A trial that follows all legal procedures correctly.

被告人は公正な裁判を受ける権利がある。

公正を欠く

— To lack fairness. When a process or decision is biased.

その決定は公正を欠いている。

公正な競争条件

— Fair competitive conditions. A 'level playing field.'

公正な競争条件を整える。

公正な精神

— A spirit of fairness. Having an ethical mindset.

スポーツには公正な精神が必要だ。

公正妥当

— Fair and appropriate. A standard phrase in accounting and law.

公正妥当な会計慣行。

Souvent confondu avec

公正 vs 公平 (kōhei)

Kōhei is about 'evenness' or 'impartiality' (like sharing a cake). Kōsei is about 'justice' and 'procedural correctness' (like a court case).

公正 vs 個性 (kosei)

Pronounced with short vowels. Means 'individuality' or 'personality.' Be careful not to mix them up!

公正 vs 構成 (kōsei)

Same pronunciation. Means 'composition' or 'structure' (like a story's structure).

Expressions idiomatiques

"公正無私"

— Fair and selfless. Doing things for the public good without personal bias.

リーダーは公正無私でなければならない。

Formal/Literary

"公明正大"

— Fair and square; open and above-board.

公明正大に勝負する。

Formal

"清廉潔白"

— Having a clean conscience and being completely honest (often related to fairness).

彼は清廉潔白な政治家だ。

Formal

"依怙贔屓"

— Favoritism/Partiality (The antonym idiom).

依怙贔屓のない公正な評価をしてください。

Neutral

"一視同仁"

— Universal benevolence; treating all people with the same love and fairness.

王は国民を一視同仁に扱った。

Literary

"不偏不党"

— Neutrality and non-partisanship.

新聞は不偏不党の立場を守るべきだ。

Formal/Media

"正々堂々"

— Fair and square; in an open and dignified manner.

正々堂々と戦う。

Neutral

"公平無私"

— Very similar to kōsei-mushi; impartial and selfless.

公平無私の精神を持つ。

Formal

"曲学阿世"

— Distorting the truth to curry favor with the public (the opposite of kōsei).

学者が曲学阿世に走るのは悲しい。

Literary

"勧善懲悪"

— Rewarding good and punishing evil (a form of moral justice).

この物語は勧善懲悪のストーリーだ。

Literary

Facile à confondre

公正 vs 公平 (kōhei)

Both translate to 'fair' in English.

Kōhei is about everyone getting the same; Kōsei is about everyone being judged by the same right standard.

公平な分配 (equal distribution) vs 公正な裁判 (just trial).

公正 vs 構成 (kōsei)

Identical pronunciation.

Kōsei (公正) is an adjective for fairness; Kōsei (構成) is a noun for structure.

文章の構成 (sentence structure).

公正 vs 更生 (kōsei)

Identical pronunciation.

Kōsei (更生) refers to rehabilitation or starting a new life after a mistake.

社会復帰のための更生 (rehabilitation for returning to society).

公正 vs 恒星 (kōsei)

Identical pronunciation.

Kōsei (恒星) is an astronomical term for a fixed star like the sun.

恒星の寿命 (the lifespan of a star).

公正 vs 校正 (kōsei)

Identical pronunciation.

Kōsei (校正) refers to proofreading or correcting text.

原稿を校正する (to proofread a manuscript).

Structures de phrases

[Noun] は公正です。

このゲームは公正です。

公正な [Noun] を [Verb]。

公正なルールを作ります。

公正に [Verb] すべきだ。

結果を公正に評価すべきだ。

公正を期すために、[Sentence]。

公正を期すために、外部の専門家を招いた。

[Noun] の公正性が問われている。

その選考プロセスの公正性が問われている。

公正妥当と認められる [Noun]。

公正妥当と認められる会計基準。

Business

公正な取引関係を維持する。

弊社は公正な取引関係を維持することを約束します。

Legal

公正な裁判を受ける権利を有する。

すべての国民は公正な裁判を受ける権利を有する。

Famille de mots

Noms

公正 (Fairness)

不公正 (Unfairness)

公正さ (Fairness - degree)

公正性 (Justice/Integrity)

Verbes

公正を期す (To ensure fairness)

公正にする (To make fair)

Adjectifs

公正な (Fair/Just)

不公正な (Unfair/Unjust)

Apparenté

公共 (Public)

正義 (Justice)

公平 (Impartiality)

正当 (Legitimate)

公開 (Open to public)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in news, law, and business; rare in daily casual chat.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'kōsei' for dividing food. → 公平 (kōhei)
Kōsei is for justice/rules; kōhei is for equal distribution. You divide a cake 'kōhei' ni.
Shortening the vowels to 'kosei'. → 公正 (kōsei)
'Kosei' means individuality. You must elongate both vowels to mean 'fairness.'
Saying 'kōsei handan' without 'na'. → 公正な判断 (kōsei-na handan)
It's a na-adjective, so it needs 'na' to connect to a noun in standard grammar.
Using 'kōsei' in a casual argument with a friend. → ずるい (zuru-i) or フェアじゃない (fea ja nai)
'Kōsei' is very formal. Using it casually sounds like you're roleplaying a lawyer.
Confusing 公正 with 構成 (composition). → Context-dependent.
They sound the same. Look for keywords like 'sentence' or 'story' to know it's 'composition.'

Astuces

Use 'na' for Nouns

Always use 'kōsei-na' when you want to say 'a fair [something].' For example, 'kōsei-na handan' (a fair judgment).

Kōsei vs Kōhei

Use 'kōsei' for rules and justice. Use 'kōhei' for sharing things or being impartial to people.

Business Context

In a Japanese office, 'kōsei' is a key word for compliance and ethical behavior. Use it to show you are a professional.

Watch the News

You will hear 'kōsei' almost every day on NHK news when they talk about politics or the economy. It's great listening practice.

Formal Essays

If you are taking the JLPT N2 or N1, 'kōsei' is a great word to use in your essay to discuss social problems.

Transparency

In Japan, 'kōsei' often implies that the process is open for everyone to see. Transparency is part of fairness.

The Public Judge

Remember the kanji: 公 (Public) + 正 (Correct). A public judge must be correct. That is 'kōsei'.

Avoid Slang

Don't use 'kōsei' when playing video games with friends; it sounds too stiff. Use 'fea' or 'zuru-i' instead.

Stroke Order

Pay attention to the stroke order of 正 (sei). It's a fundamental kanji that appears in many other words.

Notarized Deeds

If you live in Japan, you might need a 'kōsei shōsho' for an apartment or a will. It's a very practical word to know.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Public (公) Judge' who is always 'Correct (正)'. Kōsei is the official fairness of a judge.

Association visuelle

A scale of justice (the public scale) being perfectly balanced and straight.

Word Web

Law Court Referee Business Ethics Rules Impartiality Truth

Défi

Try to use 'kōsei' in a sentence about a sports referee and another about a business deal today.

Origine du mot

Originates from Classical Chinese (公正 - gōngzhèng). It was used to describe the qualities of an ideal ruler who acts for the public good rather than personal interest.

Sens originel : Public (公) + Correct (正). Doing what is right in the eyes of the public.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to use 'kōsei' to describe physical beauty or personal preferences; it is strictly for ethics and rules.

English speakers often use 'fair' for both 'kōsei' and 'kōhei.' In English, 'fair' is emotional; in Japanese, 'kōsei' is structural.

The Japanese Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) logo. The concept of 'Kōsei-na Saiban' in the Japanese Constitution Article 37. Manga like 'Death Note' or 'Kaiji' often explore the boundaries of what is truly kōsei.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Legal Proceedings

公正な裁判を受ける権利
証拠の公正な評価
手続きの公正
公正証書の作成

Business & Trade

公正な競争の促進
公正取引の原則
公正な市場価格
公正な採用活動

Sports & Games

審判の公正な判定
公正なプレーの精神
ルールの公正な運用
公正な対戦

Education

公正な成績評価
入試の公正性
公正な指導
公正な機会

Politics

公正な選挙の実施
公正な税制
公正な報道
国際的な公正

Amorces de conversation

"日本の選挙は公正だと思いますか？ (Do you think Japanese elections are fair?)"

"ビジネスにおいて、公正な取引とは何だと思いますか？ (In business, what do you think constitutes a fair transaction?)"

"スポーツの審判に公正さを求めるのは難しいことでしょうか？ (Is it difficult to demand fairness from sports referees?)"

"AIの判断は、人間よりも公正だと思いますか？ (Do you think AI judgments are fairer than human ones?)"

"社会をより公正にするためには、何が必要だと思いますか？ (What do you think is necessary to make society fairer?)"

Sujets d'écriture

あなたが最近「公正だ」と感じた出来事について書いてください。 (Write about an event recently that you felt was 'fair.')

もしあなたが法律を作るなら、どのように公正さを守りますか？ (If you were to make a law, how would you protect fairness?)

仕事や学校で、公正な評価を受けていると感じますか？その理由も教えてください。 (Do you feel you are receiving a fair evaluation at work or school? Please explain why.)

「公平」と「公正」の違いについて、自分の言葉で説明してください。 (Explain the difference between 'kōhei' and 'kōsei' in your own words.)

不公正な状況に直面したとき、あなたならどう行動しますか？ (How would you act when faced with an unfair situation?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Not really. In daily life, people usually say 'zuru-i' (unfair) or 'fea' (fair). 'Kōsei' is reserved for formal situations, news, or when discussing serious topics like law and business.

Yes, but it describes their character in a professional or official sense. A 'kōsei-na hito' is someone who is objective and doesn't show favoritism, like a fair boss or a good referee.

'Seigi' is the big, abstract idea of 'Justice.' 'Kōsei' is more practical and procedural—it's about making sure the rules are fair and followed correctly.

It is written as 公 (public) and 正 (correct). Make sure to write the 'public' kanji correctly with the 'eight' shape on top.

It is both. You can say 'kōsei-na' (adjective) or 'kōsei o kisu' (noun). It functions similarly to many other Sino-Japanese words.

It means the 'Fair Trade Commission.' It's a very famous government agency in Japan that stops companies from doing illegal things to win in business.

Yes, it is used for formal sports officiating. For example, 'kōsei-na purē' (fair play) is a common phrase in sports news.

Because a notarized deed (kōsei shōsho) is an 'official and correct' document that is recognized by the public/government as true and fair.

It is related, but not the same. Equality (byōdō) means everyone is the same. Fairness (kōsei) means the rules are right, which might result in different outcomes for different people.

Think of 'CO-SAY.' You and your 'CO-workers' 'SAY' the rules must be fair. Just remember to stretch the sounds!

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes