正义 (zhèng yì) means 'justice' — the moral principle of fairness, righteousness, and upholding what is right according to law, ethics, or shared human values. The character 正 (zhèng) conveys 'correct', 'upright', or 'proper', while 义 (yì) means 'righteousness', 'moral duty', or 'justice'. Together, they form a compound noun emphasizing ethical correctness and social fairness — not just legal procedure, but moral truth and integrity.

This word appears frequently in formal, philosophical, and civic contexts: news reports on social reform, political speeches about human rights, literature exploring moral dilemmas, or everyday discussions about fairness in relationships or institutions. It carries strong positive connotations and often implies courage, conviction, and responsibility — for example, standing up for others or challenging injustice. While abstract, it’s deeply embedded in Chinese ethical tradition, echoing Confucian ideals of benevolence and duty alongside modern democratic values.