正常

せいじょう

normalcy, normality, normal

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"正常" (せいじょう) means "normal" or "normalcy," referring to a state or condition that is typical, standard, or functioning properly. It is often used in formal or technical contexts such as medicine, technology, or social behavior.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "正常" used to describe health conditions (e.g., body temperature, blood pressure), machine operations (e.g., computers, vehicles), and social or psychological states.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 正常な状態 (せいじょうなじょうたい): normal state or condition
  • 正常に動作する (せいじょうにどうさする): to operate normally
  • 正常範囲 (せいじょうはんい): normal range

Nuances and Tips

"正常" is more formal and objective than casual words like "普通" (ふつう). It often implies that something meets a defined standard or expected function. Be careful not to confuse it with "正常化" (せいじょうか), which means "normalization" or the process of becoming normal.

Common Mistake

Learners sometimes use "正常" to describe subjective feelings or opinions, but it is better suited for objective states or measurable conditions.

Example Sentences

たいおんはせいじょうのはんいないです。

The body temperature is within the normal range.

こんぴゅーたーはせいじょうにどうさしています。

The computer is operating normally.

かれのこうどうはせいじょうとはいえない。

His behavior cannot be called normal.