A2 noun Formal #3,000 most common 1 min read

正义

zhèngyì /t͡ɕjɛŋ˥˩ t͡ɕi˥˩/

Justice is the principle of fairness and moral rightness, often upheld by law and ethical conduct.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Justice means fairness and righteousness.
  • It's about doing the right thing.
  • Often related to law and morality.

Overview

“正义”是一个核心的道德和法律概念,指的是公平、公正和合乎道德的行为。它常常与法律、道德准则和社会秩序紧密相连。在日常生活中,我们用“正义”来描述那些符合普遍接受的公平原则的事情,或者用来表达对不公正现象的谴责和对公平的追求。

“正义”通常用作名词,可以单独使用,也可以与其他词语组合。它经常出现在讨论法律、道德、社会问题和个人行为的语境中。例如,人们会谈论“伸张正义”、“追求正义”、“维护正义”等。

个人行为:形容一个人行为公正、公平,可以说他/她有正义感。

“公平”通常指对待所有人一视同仁,不偏袒,不歧视。它是实现“正义”的一个重要方面,但“正义”的内涵更广,还包括了道德上的合理性。

“公正”更侧重于客观、不偏不倚地处理事情,强调的是过程的公平性。而“正义”则更宏观,包含了公平、公正以及道德上的正确性,有时也带有伸张惩罚不公的意思。

“道义”强调的是道德上的义务和准则,是一种内在的道德约束。它与“正义”有联系,但“正义”更多地体现在外在的行为和制度上。

Examples

1

法庭的判决是为了伸张正义。

formal

The court's verdict is meant to uphold justice.

2

他从小就有很强的正义感,看不惯别人欺负弱小。

everyday

He has always had a strong sense of justice since childhood, unable to stand seeing others bully the weak.

3

我们要为受压迫的人们争取正义。

social advocacy

We must fight for justice for the oppressed.

4

真正的正义不仅仅是法律的条文,更是内心的良知。

philosophical

True justice is not just legal statutes, but also the inner conscience.

Common Collocations

伸张正义 uphold justice / seek justice
维护正义 defend justice / maintain justice
追求正义 pursue justice
正义感 sense of justice

Common Phrases

伸张正义

to uphold justice

维护正义

to defend justice

正义必胜

Justice will prevail

Often Confused With

正义 vs 公平 (gōngpíng)

'公平' (fairness) often refers to impartiality and equal treatment in a specific situation or distribution. '正义' (justice) is a broader moral and legal concept that encompasses fairness but also includes righteousness and the correction of wrongs.

正义 vs 公正 (gōngzhèng)

'公正' (impartiality/justice) emphasizes unbiased judgment and decision-making, often in a legal or administrative context. '正义' is a more fundamental moral principle that guides what is considered right and just.

Grammar Patterns

(某人/某事)伸张正义 维护社会正义 具有强烈的正义感 追求公平正义

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term '正义' is generally used in formal or serious contexts, such as legal discussions, ethical debates, or social commentary. While it can describe a personal trait ('正义感'), its core meaning relates to societal or legal principles of fairness and righteousness.


Common Mistakes

Learners might sometimes confuse '正义' with simpler concepts like '公平' (fairness) or '合理' (reasonable). It's important to remember that '正义' carries a stronger moral and often legal weight, implying a higher standard of rightness.

Tips

💡

Think Fairness and Rightness

When you see '正义', think of fairness in actions and moral rightness. It's about what's ethically correct.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse in Casual Chat

While '正义' is important, it's a strong word. Using it too lightly in very casual conversations might sound overly dramatic or serious.

🌍

Deep Roots in Chinese Culture

Concepts of justice and righteousness have deep historical and philosophical roots in Chinese culture, often linked to Confucian ideals of social harmony and ethical governance.

Word Origin

The character '正' (zhèng) means correct, proper, or upright. The character '义' (yì) signifies righteousness, justice, or meaning. Together, '正义' directly translates to 'correct righteousness' or 'proper justice'.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, justice is often tied to social harmony and ethical governance. The concept is deeply embedded in historical narratives, philosophical thought (like Confucianism), and legal traditions, emphasizing a moral order that should be upheld.

Memory Tip

Think of '正' (correct, proper) and '义' (righteousness, meaning). '正义' is the 'correct righteousness' or the 'proper meaning' of fairness.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“公平”通常指在分配、对待方面不偏不倚,而“正义”是一个更广泛的概念,包含了公平,还强调道德上的正确性和对错误行为的纠正。

当讨论法律、道德、社会问题,或者评价某人行为是否公正、合乎道德时,都可以用到“正义”。

“伸张正义”是指采取行动来纠正不公平或错误的事情,使之符合公平和道德的原则。

“正义感”是指一个人内心对公平和正义的追求和认同,以及在看到不公平时感到不满和想要去纠正的倾向。

Test Yourself

fill blank

我们需要共同努力,维护社会的______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 正义

句子强调的是维护社会整体的公平、公正和道德原则,用“正义”最合适。

multiple choice

“正义”主要指的是什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 公平、公正的道德原则

“正义”的核心是公平和道德上的正确性。

sentence building

请将以下词语组成一个通顺的句子:伸张, 正义, 必须

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 必须伸张正义。

这是一个常见的表达方式,表示有责任去做正确和公平的事情。

Score: /3

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