When combined, 整 (zhěng) and 齐 (qí) literally mean “arranged to be uniform and even,” which perfectly captures the modern meaning of “tidy and orderly.”
In Chinese culture, 整齐 (zhěngqí) is more than just a preference; it's often a reflection of a person's inner state, discipline, and respect for their environment. A messy desk or unkempt appearance can be interpreted as a sign of a chaotic mind or a lack of self-respect. This value is visible in many aspects of Chinese society, from the impeccable formations of military parades to the uniform morning exercises performed by students. This contrasts with the Western idea of “tidiness,” which is often viewed as a personal habit or organizational style (e.g., the “organized mess”). While a Westerner might say, “I know where everything is in my mess,” that concept doesn't translate as well in a Chinese context. In China, the external presentation of order (整齐) is often linked to the core value of harmony (和谐 - héxié). A neat environment contributes to a harmonious atmosphere, while a messy one creates a feeling of disruptive “chaos” (乱 - luàn). Being 整齐 is a way of showing consideration for the shared space and the people in it.
整齐 (zhěngqí) is a very common, everyday adjective.
The connotation is almost always positive, implying care, discipline, and correctness.