圭

guī

Definitions

guī (noun) jade tablet (ancient ceremonial symbol of rank)

Etymology

Depicts a ceremonial jade tablet pointed at the top.

About

圭 is a pictograph of a ceremonial jade tablet pointed at the top. In ancient China, the emperor granted such tablets to feudal lords during state rituals as emblems of delegated authority and aristocratic rank. The character later also referred to an astronomical instrument, a gnomon or sundial template used to measure the sun's shadow and determine seasonal solar terms.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image

Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)

Bronze etymology image

Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Seal etymology image

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Clerical etymology image

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他的行为合乎道德圭臬。

Tā de xíngwéi héné dàodé guīniè.

His behavior conforms to moral standards.

古代用圭表来测量日影。

Gǔdài yòng guībiǎo lái cèliáng rìyǐng.

In ancient times, a sundial was used to measure the sun's shadow.

南美洲有一个国家叫圭亚那。

Nánměizhōu yǒu yīgè guójiā jiào Guīyànà.

There is a country in South America called Guyana.

他的性格毫无圭角，非常圆滑。

Tā de xìnggé háowú guījiǎo, fēicháng yuánhuá.

His character has no edges; he is very smooth and tactful.

这块玉被雕刻成圭璧的形状。

Zhè kuài yù bèi diāokè chéng guībì de xíngzhuàng.

This piece of jade was carved into the shape of a ritual gui tablet.

这种材料的成分含有硅元素。

Zhè zhǒng cáiliào de chéngfèn hányǒu guī yuánsù.

The composition of this material contains the element silicon.

他一向以诚信为立身之圭臬。

Tā yīxiàng yǐ chéngxìn wéi lìshēn zhī guīniè.

He has always taken integrity as the guiding principle for his conduct.

古代圭田的划分有着严格的规定。

Gǔdài guītián de huàfēn yǒuzhe yángé de guīdìng.

The division of ancient gui-shaped fields had strict regulations.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 土

Example Words