Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 正義 / 正义 | zhèngyì |
| 公道 | gōngdào |
| 公平 | gōngpíng |
| 公義 / 公义 | gōngyì |
The term 正义 represents the overarching idea of justice and is used in legal, moral or philosophical contexts. The term 公正 specifically emphasizes fairness and impartiality and is used in legal, judicial or administrative matters. The term 公義 / 公义 combines the concepts of fairness and justice and often appears in legal or religious contexts.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 正義 is composed of 正 (zhèng), meaning 'correct' or 'upright' and 義 (yì), meaning 'righteousness' or 'meaning'.
Which one should you use?
正義 / 正义 is used for abstract, high-level concepts of justice or moral righteousness, often in a philosophical or legal sense. In contrast, 公道 is used when demanding fairness or a fair outcome in a specific dispute or social situation. 公平 refers more to the quality of being impartial or fair (fairness) rather than the abstract concept of justice.
How do you pronounce it?
zhèngyì
Did you know?
- The modern Chinese word for justice, 正义, is actually a linguistic import from Japanese. It was borrowed from the Japanese term 正義 during the Meiji era to express Western legal and philosophical ideas.
- The term 公道 (gōngdào), which can mean 'justice' or 'fairness', literally translates to 'public way' or 'the common path'.
- The term 公義 is frequently used in Chinese Christian Bibles to translate the biblical concept of 'righteousness' as a form of divine justice.
Examples in context
- 我們想為弗洛依德討要公道。We want justice for Floyd.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use the form 公道 when expressing a desire for justice.Tatoeba #13108715 by LeviHighway, translation #8829521 by Amastan
- 在一个公正的社会中，正义应该得到维护。In a just society, justice should be upheld.
- 法官在审判中要保持公正。Judges must maintain fairness during the trial.
- 这是一个追求公义的社会运动。This is a social movement that pursues justice.
- 我们应该追求人与人之间的公平。We should seek fairness among people.
- 我总是对不公正的事情有强烈的正义感。I always have a strong sense of justice towards unfair things.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “justice” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 正義, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
