Japanese word

正当

Pronunciation

Romajiseitō

Meaning

  • na-adjectivejustified

Example

彼の怒りは正当です。kare no ika ri wa sei tō de su

His anger is justified.

Illustration for 正当 (justified)

More examples

その要求は契約の条件に照らして正当です。so no yō kyū wa kei yaku no jō ken ni te ra shi te sei tō de su

The demand is justified in light of the terms of the contract.

Core concept

Marks a claim, action, or feeling as having a proper basis rather than being arbitrary or excessive.

Common phrases

  • 正当な理由sei tō na ri yū

    a valid reason

  • 正当な要求sei tō na yō kyū

    a legitimate demand

  • 正当な評価sei tō na hyō ka

    a fair evaluation

Similar words

妥当datō: Having a reasonable basis and fitting the facts or situation.
適正tekisei: Meeting the proper standard or requirements for a role, amount, or process.
合理的gōriteki: Based on clear reason and consistent with practical judgment.

Definition in Japanese

道理にかなっていて、正しいと認められるさま。dō ri ni ka na tte i te tada shi i to mito me ra re ru sa ma

Word origin

正当 (seitō, "justified") is formed from 正 (sei, "right") and 当 (tō, "applicable"), two characters whose meanings combine to express proper grounds or suitability.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 正当な理由 (seitō na riyū, "a legitimate reason") commonly appears when a rule or decision requires an acceptable basis.

Other meanings

  • legitimatena-adjective
  • reasonablena-adjective

Opposites

Related words

  • 正当性seitōseilegitimacynoun
  • 正当化seitōkajustificationnoun
  • 正当さseitōsavaliditynoun

Word lists with this word