正しい
tadashii[ta̠da̠ɕii]
The English word 'correct' can be translated into Japanese as 正しい (tadashii) or 正解 (seikai) depending on the context.
Meaning: free from error (adj)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 正しい | tadashii | [ta̠da̠ɕii] (narrow) [ma̠sa̠ɕiː] (narrow) |
| 正解 | seikai | [se̞ːka̠i] (narrow) |
正しい is an adjective used to describe something that is factually accurate, morally right or conforms to a proper standard. For example, you would use it to describe a correct way of doing something.
Which one should you use?
While 正しい is an adjective meaning 'correct' or 'right', 正解 is a noun meaning 'the correct answer' or 'the right solution'. Use 正しい when you are describing a quality, such as 'a correct way', whereas 正解 is used when referring to a specific correct result or answer in a game or a test.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the adjective 正しい into an adverb meaning 'correctly', change the final -i to -ku to get 正しく.
How do you pronounce it?
tadashii
Did you know?
- The character used in 正しい (tadashii) can also imply being 'straight-grained', as if describing the quality of wood.
Examples in context
- 大体正しい。That is almost correct.This sentence shows how to use 正しい to describe something as being almost correct.Tatoeba #137402 by small_snow, translation #275834 by CK
- 私、正しい？Am I correct?This sentence uses 正しい to ask a question about being correct.Tatoeba #3488251 by arnab, translation #2244885 by CK
- あなたは正しい。You're correct.This sentence uses 正しい to state that someone is correct.Tatoeba #5188 by bunbuku, translation #2202700 by CK
- 正しい答えは何ですか？What is the correct answer?
- 適切な手順を教えてください。Please instruct me on the proper procedure.
- 正確な数字を教えていただけますか？Could you provide me with the accurate number?
- それはいい考えだと思うよ。I think that's a good idea.
- このクイズの正解は何ですか？What's the correct answer to this quiz?
- 76 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are checking their homework together.
- 陽太 Yotaこの答えは正しいかな？Kono kotae wa tadashii kana?I wonder if this answer is correct?
- 美咲 Misakiうん、正しいと思うよ。Un, tadashii to omou yo.Yeah, I think it's correct.
- 陽太 Yotaよかった。ありがとう、美咲。Yokatta. Arigatou, Misaki.Good. Thanks, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiどういたしまして、陽太。Douitashimashite, Youta.You're welcome, Yota.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “correct” translations and entries 正しい, 正解, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 正しい, 正解, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
