正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)

せいせいどうどう
adverb, na-adjective
fair and square; open and aboveboard; dignified
personalitysports
1. fair and square; open and aboveboard; dignified
Doing something honestly and by the rules, without tricks, and with nothing to hide; a set phrase heard in sports oaths.
正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)と戦(たたか)おう。
Let's fight fair and square.
彼(かれ)は正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)と意見(いけん)を述(の)べた。
He stated his opinion openly and honestly.
裏工作(うらこうさく)などせず、正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)と勝負(しょうぶ)すべきだ。
Rather than resorting to backroom deals, you should compete fair and square.
選手(せんしゅ)たちは正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)としたプレーで観客(かんきゃく)を感動(かんどう)させた。
The players moved the audience with their dignified, fair play.

A four-character compound (yojijukugo) meaning to act openly, honestly, and with dignity. Often used in competitive contexts like sports, debates, or business, emphasizing playing by the rules without deception. The phrase comes from classical Chinese and literally suggests an army arrayed in proper, imposing formation.

Usage

  • Used adverbially with と: 正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)と戦(たたか)う
  • Used as a modifier with とした: 正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)とした態度(たいど) (a dignified attitude)

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 堂々(どうどう): imposing; dignified — describes a grand or confident manner, without the specific emphasis on fairness
  • 公正(こうせい): fair; impartial — focuses on fairness in judgment or process, often in formal or institutional contexts

Related Words

Compare: 公正(こうせい) (fair)
general
Added 2026.4.24 20:24 · Revised 2026.10.3 3:19
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