Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 正確 / 正确 | zhèngquè |
| 對 / 对 | duì |
The term 正確 / 正确 is used to describe something that is free from error, such as a mathematical answer or a statement of fact. In contrast, the term 對 / 对 is often used as a simple, conversational affirmation to indicate that what someone has said is right.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 正確 / 正确 (zhèngquè) is composed of two parts: 正 (zhèng), meaning "straight" or "upright" and 確 (què), meaning "certain" or "real".
Which one should you use?
Use 正確 / 正确 (zhèngquè) when referring to something being factually accurate or logically sound. Use 對 / 对 (duì) in more casual, conversational contexts to mean "right" or "correct", often as a one-word response to confirm someone's statement.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the opposite, you can negate these terms. To say something is "incorrect", add the negation 不 (bù) before the word to get 不正確 / 不正确 (bù zhèngquè). For a conversational way to say something is "wrong" or "incorrect", use 不對 / 不对 (bù duì).
How do you pronounce it?
zhèngquè
Did you know?
- The phrase 對 / 对 can be used to mean 'opposite' or 'facing each other' in different contexts, such as 對面 (duìmiàn) for 'the opposite side'.
- Ancient texts suggest Emperor Wen of Han may have modified the character 對 / 对 because many official replies were merely 'lip service'.
- In conversational Chinese, 對 / 对 is often repeated as 對對對 (duì duì duì) to show enthusiastic agreement while the other person is still speaking.
Examples in context
- 老师问：“这个答案是不是正确的？”The teacher asked, "Is this answer correct?"
- 公司要求员工使用正确的格式填写表格。The company requires employees to fill out the form using the correct format.
- 医生提供了准确的诊断。The doctor provided a correct diagnosis.
- 朋友问：“你确定这个答案是对的吗？”The friend asked, "Are you sure this answer is correct?"
- 这个问题的答案没错。The answer to this question is correct.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “correct” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 對, CC BY-SA 4.0.
