Definition
正宗 (zhèngzōng) emphasizes being the 'orthodox' or 'original' tradition — it's used for cuisine, martial arts, or crafts that come from the recognized founding source. 地道 (dìdao) is more general for 'authentic' in everyday speech (e.g., 地道的北京话), while 原汁原味 (yuán zhī yuán wèi) stresses preserving the original flavor or style without alteration.
adjective
authenticgenuinetrue to the original tradition
noun
orthodox schoolauthentic tradition
Examples
- 正宗。Zhè jiā cānguǎn de chuāncài hěn zhèng zōng.The Sichuan cuisine at this restaurant is very authentic.
- 正宗。Wǒ mǎi le yí gè zhèng zōng de Jǐngdézhèn cíqì.I bought an authentic Jingdezhen porcelain piece.
- 正宗。Tā shì tàijíquán de zhèng zōng chuánrén.He is an orthodox inheritor of Tai Chi.
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