noun
correct Chinese-derived pronunciation of a character
Refers to the historically or normatively correct on'yomi (音読み) of a kanji, as opposed to a corrupted or non-standard reading. Used in discussions of kanji pronunciation and historical linguistics.
この漢字の正音は「セイ」ですが、慣用音として「ショウ」も使われます。
The correct on'yomi of this kanji is 'sei', but 'shō' is also used as a customary reading.