Definitions

guǐ (noun) track; rail
guǐ (noun) course; path

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "轨" originated from the concept of wheeled vehicles, specifically denoting the gauge or distance between the two wheels of a cart, a meaning directly reflected in its composition of the radical for "cart" or "vehicle" (车) combined with the component "九", which primarily served a phonetic function. From this concrete, physical measurement ensuring a vehicle's proper alignment and path, its meaning naturally extended to the tracks or rails themselves that guide a train's wheels. This foundational idea of a prescribed path or standard then facilitated a broader metaphorical application, with "轨" coming to signify established rules, norms, and orderly systems within society, thereby encompassing both a literal track and the figurative course of lawful conduct.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Mid Western Zhou (~900 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 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

火车在道上行驶。

Huǒchē zài guǐdào shang xíngshǐ.

The train is running on the track.

通向远方。

Tiěguǐ tōng xiàng yuǎnfāng.

The railway track leads to the distance.

卫星的迹很稳定。

Wèixīng de guǐjì hěn wěndìng.

The satellite's trajectory is very stable.

昨天火车出了。

Zuótiān huǒchē chūguǐ le.

The train derailed yesterday.

工作回到正

Gōngzuò huí dào zhèngguǐ.

The work is back on track.

这条铁路的距很标准。

Zhè tiáo tiělù de guǐjù hěn biāozhǔn.

The gauge of this railway is very standard.

宇宙飞船进入了预定道。

Yǔzhòu fēichuán jìnrùle yùdìng guǐdào.

The spaceship entered the predetermined orbit.

为了确保列车安全,工人们定期检查铁道设备。

Wèile quèbào lièchē ānquán, gōngrénmen dìngqī jiǎnchá tiěguǐ hé guǐdào shèbèi.

To ensure train safety, workers regularly inspect railway tracks and track equipment.