Definition
正名 is a Confucian concept from the Analects, meaning to use names/terms correctly so that they match reality—restoring proper order in society by calling things what they truly are. As a noun, it refers to the act of correcting names/terms or the resulting proper name/status. You'll hear it in political, academic, or formal contexts when discussing the alignment of title, role, or definition with actual function.
noun
rectification of names/terms (Confucian concept)proper namerightful status or title
Examples
- 正名，。Rújiā qiángdiào zhèng míng, rènwéi míng bú zhèng zé yán bú shùn.Confucianism emphasizes the rectification of names, holding that if names are not correct, speech will not be in order.
- ，正名。Tāmen yāoqiú gōngsī wèi tā huīfù míngyù, jǐyǔ zhèng míng.They demanded the company restore his reputation and give him proper recognition.
- 正名，。Zhè jiàn shì guānxì dào fǎlǜ shàng de zhèng míng wèntí, bù néng mǎhu.This matter involves the issue of proper legal definition and cannot be taken lightly.
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