Chinese word

规矩

Pronunciation

Pinyinguī jǔ

Meaning

  • nounrule

Example

在公司里，大家都知道要遵守规矩。zài gōng sī lǐ dà jiā dōu zhī dào yào zūn shǒu guī jǔ

Everyone at the company knows that they should follow the rules.

Illustration for 规矩 (rule)

More examples

家庭里，孩子要学会按规矩行事。jiā tíng lǐ hái zi yào xué huì àn guī jǔ xíng shì

In the family, children should learn to follow the rules.

Core concept

A shared pattern of proper behavior that a group recognizes, whether it is formally written down or learned through custom.

Common phrases

  • 守规矩shǒu guī jǔ

    follow the rules

  • 按规矩办事àn guī jǔ bàn shì

    do things by the rules

  • 有规矩yǒu guī jǔ

    be well-mannered

Similar words

规则guī zé: A clearly stated rule for conduct or procedures.
规范guī fàn: A standard showing how conduct or work should be carried out.
纪律jì lǜ: Discipline that keeps a group orderly through required behavior.
习俗xí sú: A long-standing local or social custom for daily life and politeness.

Definition in Chinese

指社会或团体中约定俗成的行为规范、礼节，也可用来形容人举止端正。zhǐ shè huì huò tuán tǐ zhōng yuē dìng sú chéng de xíng wéi guī fàn lǐ jié yě kě yòng lái xíng róng rén jú zhǐ duān zhèng

Word origin

规矩 (guījǔ, "rule") combines 规 (guī, "compass") + 矩 (jǔ, "carpenter's square"), whose measuring functions suggest a standard for conduct.

Usage tips

  • English rule often suggests a written instruction, while this word also fits unwritten expectations about politeness in families, workplaces, and other groups.

Other meanings

  • customnoun
  • well-behavedadjective
  • mannersnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word