反正
fǎnzhèng · HSK 3
anyway
反 = reverse/flip + 正 = correct/right; flip-or-right, the outcome is the same
反 means reverse and 正 means upright/correct. Together they cover both sides of a coin, so whichever way things go, the conclusion holds — hence anyway, in any case.
反 — hand 又 under cliff 厂
Originally a pictograph of a hand (又) turning something over against a cliff or slope (厂), depicting the action of flipping or reversing. From this came the core meaning 'to turn over,' which extended to 'opposite,' 'contrary,' and 'rebel against.' The character is purely semantic, with no phonetic component.
正 — one 一 + stop 止
Originally an ideograph showing a foot (止) advancing toward a target line (一), meaning 'to march straight toward' a city or goal. From this came the senses 'upright,' 'correct,' and 'proper.' The military sense survives in 征 (to campaign), which took over the original 'march' meaning.