B2 adjective Neutral

正当

/seːtoː/

Being lawful, fair, or based on a logical or moral reason; legitimate.

Examples

3 of 5
1

これは正当な権利の主張です。

This is an assertion of a legitimate right.

2

学問的な正当性を証明するために、多くの実験を行った。

I performed many experiments to prove academic validity.

3

正当な報酬を支払うのは、雇用主の義務だ。

Paying fair compensation is an employer's duty.

Word Family

Noun
正当性
Verb
正当化する
Adjective
正当な
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Sei' (correct/justice) and 'Tou' (hit/proper). It hits the mark of justice.

Quick Quiz

何の( )な理由もなく他人の物を壊してはいけない。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 正当

Examples

1

これは正当な権利の主張です。

everyday

This is an assertion of a legitimate right.

2

学問的な正当性を証明するために、多くの実験を行った。

academic

I performed many experiments to prove academic validity.

3

正当な報酬を支払うのは、雇用主の義務だ。

business

Paying fair compensation is an employer's duty.

4

その行為は正当防衛として認められた。

formal

The act was recognized as self-defense.

5

それ、正当なやり方じゃないよね?

informal

That's not the right way to do it, is it?

Word Family

Noun
正当性
Verb
正当化する
Adjective
正当な

Common Collocations

正当な理由 legitimate reason
正当な評価 fair evaluation
正当防衛 self-defense
正当性を主張する to claim legitimacy
正当な手続き due process

Common Phrases

正当に評価する

to evaluate fairly

正当の権利

legitimate right

正当な後継者

rightful successor

Often Confused With

正当 vs 正しい

Tadashii is 'correct' (factual), while Seitou is 'legitimate' or 'justifiable' (legal/logical).

📝

Usage Notes

Crucial for IELTS essays concerning law, ethics, or logic.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'Tadashii riyuu' (correct reason) instead of 'Seitou na riyuu' (valid/legitimate reason).

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Sei' (correct/justice) and 'Tou' (hit/proper). It hits the mark of justice.

📖

Word Origin

From '正' (correct) and '当' (appropriate/hit).

Grammar Patterns

正当な〜 〜は正当だ

Quick Quiz

何の( )な理由もなく他人の物を壊してはいけない。

Correct!

The correct answer is: 正当

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