正せいの字じ

expression, noun

unit of five (in tallies)

Refers to the five strokes of the kanji 正, used as a tally mark to count groups of five. Common in counting votes, scores, or items.

• 投とう票ひょう数すうを正せいの字じで数かぞえる。

  Count the votes using the tally mark 正.

• 黒こく板ばんに正せいの字じが並ならんでいる。

  Tally marks are lined up on the blackboard.