About

The word 规矩 is formed through a vivid conceptual metaphor rooted in ancient craftsmanship. The character 规 originally depicted a compass, a tool for drawing perfect circles, while 矩 represented a carpenter's square, used for marking right angles and straight lines. Combined, they create a compound meaning that transcends the literal tools, symbolizing the essential standards, proper methods, and accepted norms for behavior, just as the physical tools provided the indispensable standards for creating order and correctness in material construction.

Example Sentences Hide

在学校要守规矩

Zài xuéxiào yào shǒu guīju.

At school, one must follow the rules.

妈妈给我定了规矩

Māma gěi wǒ dìng le guīju.

Mom set rules for me.

遵守规矩是每个人的责任。

Zūnshǒu guīju shì měi gè rén de zérèn.

Following rules is everyone's responsibility.

如果你不遵守规矩,就会受到惩罚。

Rúguǒ nǐ bù zūnshǒu guīju, jiù huì shòudào chéngfá.

If you don't follow the rules, you will be punished.

在团队合作中,明确的规矩能提高效率。

Zài tuánduì hézuò zhōng, míngquè de guīju néng tígāo xiàolǜ.

In teamwork, clear rules can improve efficiency.

Word Definition - 规矩

guī ju lit. compass and set square; fig. established standard; rule; customs; practices; fig. upright and honest; well-behaved

Individual Character Details