1.
standard character form; orthodox kanji
the correct or standard form of a Chinese character, as opposed to simplified or variant forms
In the context of Japanese kanji, refers to the traditional, orthodox form of a character before simplification. After the 1946 当用漢字 reform, many characters were simplified for everyday use. The pre-reform forms are called 正字 or 旧字体. Relevant for reading pre-war texts, understanding name kanji in official documents, and studying classical literature.
Common collocations
- 正字で書く: to write in standard character form
- 正字体: standard character style
- 正字と略字: standard and simplified characters
Similar words
- 旧字体: old character form — practically synonymous, used more commonly in modern discussions
- 略字: abbreviated/simplified character — the opposite: a shortened form
- 新字体: new character form — the modern simplified forms adopted after the reform
- 異体字: variant character — any alternative form of a character, whether standard or not
Related Words
Compare:
旧字体 (old character form)
Compare:
新字体 (new character form)
Compare:
異体字 (variant character)