正規
せいき · seiki · JLPT N3 · na-adj
regular
✅📏 正規 = correct + rule: done by the rules, so regular and legitimate
正 (sei) means correct or proper, as in 正しい. 規 (ki) means rule or standard, as in 規則 (kisoku, rules). Something that follows the proper rules is official, as in 正規雇用 (a regular, full-time job).
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.