neat, orderly, whole

JLPT N5 16 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (zhěng)

The character is commonly used to express the idea of making something neat, orderly, or complete. It can describe physical tidying, such as cleaning a room, or abstract organization, like system reforms.

Common meanings

  • To tidy or arrange neatly
  • Whole or entire (often emphasizing completeness)
  • To reorganize or rectify

Typical collocations

  • 整理 (zhěnglǐ): to organize or tidy up
  • 整顿 (zhěngdùn): to rectify or reorganize
  • 整整 (zhěngzhěng): an adverb meaning "whole" or "full" (used for emphasis on duration or quantity)

Notes

When used as an adjective or adverb, emphasizes completeness or neatness. For example, 整整小时 means a full hour, stressing the entire duration. In contrast to similar words like 彻底 (chèdǐ, thorough), often focuses on order and completeness rather than depth.

Avoid confusing with (zhèng), which means "correct" or "just"; they have different meanings and uses despite similar pronunciation.

Example Sentences

Please tidy up the room neatly.

He spent a whole hour finishing the homework.

We need to reorganize the company's management system.