Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 正 originated as a pictograph showing a foot (止) marching toward a target (一), representing the concept of 'correct' or 'proper' direction. In ancient oracle bone script, it depicted a foot advancing toward a city or settlement, symbolizing the righteous march to conquer or govern. Over time, it evolved to mean 'upright,' 'just,' and 'correct,' reflecting the Confucian ideal of proper conduct and governance. The character also functions phonetically in words like 政 (government) and 証 (evidence), maintaining its core meaning of correctness and integrity throughout Chinese literary history. Arrived in Japan: The character 正 likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE, when Chinese writing systems were systematically introduced through Buddhist scriptures, Confucian texts, and official diplomatic exchanges. It appears in early Japanese documents like the Kojiki (712 CE) and Nihon Shoki (720 CE), and was incorporated into the Japanese writing system as both a kanji and in compounds such as 正月 (shōgatsu - New Year) and 正しい (tadashii - correct).