The word **正宗** is a compound formed from two characters: **正** (*zhèng*), meaning "correct," "proper," or "orthodox," and **宗** (*zōng*), meaning "ancestor," "origin," or "school (of thought)." Together, they create a concept that signifies the "correct lineage" or "orthodox school," originally used in philosophical and religious contexts to denote the true, authoritative transmission of a doctrine from master to disciple. By extension, it has evolved in modern usage to describe anything that is authentic, genuine, and true to its original, classic, or most respected form, such as authentic cuisine, traditional methods, or正统 products.