Japanese word

正統

Pronunciation

Romajiseitō

Meaning

  • na-adjectiveorthodox

Example

これは正統な解釈です。ko re wa sei tō na kai shaku de su

This is an orthodox interpretation.

Illustration for 正統 (orthodox)

More examples

専門家はその解釈を正統なものと認めています。sen mon ka wa so no kai shaku o sei tō na mo no to mito me te i ma su

Experts recognize that interpretation as orthodox.

Core concept

Shows that a belief, interpretation, or method belongs to the recognized and accepted tradition rather than departing from it.

Common phrases

  • 正統な学説sei tō na gaku setsu

    orthodox theory

  • 正統な後継者sei tō na kō kei sha

    legitimate successor

  • 正統と認めるsei tō to mito me ru

    recognize as orthodox

Similar words

正当seitō: Accepted as valid or justified according to rules, facts, or moral standards.
伝統的dentōteki: Connected with customs, beliefs, or methods handed down through generations.
正規seiki: Officially established or following the standard rules of an organization or system.

Definition in Japanese

ある分野で受け継がれてきた正しい系統に属し、一般に認められているさま。a ru bun ya de u ke tsu ga re te ki ta tada shi i kei tō ni zoku shi ip pan ni mito me ra re te i ru sa ma

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 正統 (seitō) combines 正 (sei, "right") with 統 (tō, "lineage or system") to express a proper, recognized line of tradition.

Usage tips

  • In English, orthodox does not always mean old-fashioned; it means accepted within a particular tradition, so a modern method can also be orthodox.

Other meanings

  • legitimatena-adjective
  • traditionalna-adjective

Opposites

  • 異端itanheresynoun
  • 邪道jadōunorthodox pathnoun

Related words

  • 正統派seitōhaorthodox schoolnoun
  • 正統性seitōseiorthodoxynoun
  • 正統化seitōkalegitimizationnoun

Word lists with this word