Meaning and Usage
"正解" (せいかい) means "correct answer" or "right solution." It is commonly used in academic, testing, and problem-solving contexts to indicate the answer that is considered accurate or accepted.
Common Contexts
You will often see "正解" in quizzes, exams, puzzles, and discussions where a definitive correct answer exists. It can also be used metaphorically to mean the "right choice" in decision-making.
Collocations and Patterns
- 正解を出す: to give the correct answer
- 正解かどうか: whether it is correct or not
- 正解を選ぶ: to choose the correct answer
These phrases are useful when discussing problem-solving or evaluating answers.
Register and Nuance
"正解" is neutral and appropriate in both formal and informal contexts. It is often used in educational settings but also in everyday conversation when discussing correctness.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "正解" with "答え" (answer). "答え" can be any answer, correct or incorrect, while "正解" specifically means the correct one. Use "正解" when emphasizing correctness.