na-adjective, noun
rectitude; uprightness; integrity
Formal, somewhat literary term for moral uprightness and correctness of character. Often used in descriptions of a person's conduct or principles.
彼は方正な人柄で知られている。
He is known for his upright character.
方正な態度で職務に当たる。
He performs his duties with integrity.
清廉 emphasizes honesty and purity, often in financial or political contexts, while 方正 focuses more broadly on moral correctness and uprightness of character.
高潔 implies nobility and loftiness of character, often with a sense of moral superiority, whereas 方正 is more about straightforward rectitude and adherence to principles.
Composed of 方 (direction, method) and 正 (correct, righteous). The combination suggests a person whose conduct is always directed toward what is right. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from the kanji.