Word
正解
Meaning in Englishcorrect, right answer, solution
Animated kanji stroke order
Sentence
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Word context
What it means
What does 正解 mean? It designates the correct answer in a question, task, or puzzle, i.e., the solution that is true or accepted; in everyday discourse it can refer to the validated interpretation or result in a discussion or test.
Main meanings
- Primary meaning: the correct answer in a test, quiz, exercise, or any problem requiring a choice or solution.
- Nuance: can denote the publicly accepted solution or conclusion in a discussion or reasoning process.
- Related usage: often paired with 不正解 to contrast with the incorrect option or with 答え to mean the answer.
How to use it
Used to refer to the correct answer in exams, quizzes, puzzles, and problem solving; in formal situations like classrooms and tests it's common, while in casual talk it appears in phrases like 正解です, これは正解だ, 正解を選ぶ.
Variants and close terms
- 正答（せいとう）— synonym; formal for an exact answer in tests.
- 当たり（あたり）— casual; means that's right or spot on.
- 回答（かいとう）— answer; not necessarily correct.
- 不正解（ふせいかい）— incorrect.
- 誤り（あやまり）— error.
Composition
- 正: right, correct
- 解: to solve, understand
- 合起来: two-kanji compound meaning the correct answer, the solution that is correct
Etymology
正 meaning right, correct; sei on'yomi; 解 meaning to solve, understand; kai on'yomi; when combined they form 正解 meaning the correct answer.
Word class
Noun (名詞)
Word
Related words by kanji and components
N3
見解
kenkai
opinion, point of view
N3
公正
kousei
fairness, justice, impartiality
N3
誤解
gokai
misunderstanding, misinterpretation
N3
理解
rikai
understanding, comprehension
N3
解ける
hodokeru
to come untied, to come apart
N3
解く
hodoku
to unfasten; answer, solve
N3
不正
fusei
injustice, unfairness
N3
正体
shoutai
natural shape, one's true colors, true character
N3
正規
seiki
regular, legitimate
Kanji