(guī ju) - rules, customs, the done thing; well-behaved in Mandarin
guījuTraditional: 規矩
Translation
rules, customs, the done thing; well-behaved
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Word origin
A compound of 规 (guī, a pair of compasses for drawing circles) and 矩 (jǔ, a carpenter's square), the two tools that make shapes true, extended to the rules that keep conduct straight.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 规 (guī, compasses) + 矩 (jǔ, carpenter's square)
Stroke order
规
矩
Examples
。
Our company has its own way of doing things.
。
Newcomers have to learn the ropes first.
。
He does things properly.
。
This child is very well behaved.
。
Do not break with custom.
规矩 is not the written rulebook. That is 规则 or 规定. 规矩 is the unwritten code: what is customary here, how things are done in this family, this workplace, this trade. It is closer to "the done thing" than to "regulations".
It doubles as an adjective meaning well behaved or straight-dealing, and this catches learners out. 他很规矩 does not mean he owns rules; it means he keeps to them, that he is decent and does not cut corners.
The pronunciation is usually guī ju in speech, with the second syllable neutral, even though the dictionary form marks a third tone. Common collocations to bank: 守规矩 (to observe the rules), 懂规矩 (to know how to behave), 老规矩 (the usual, as in ordering the same thing again).
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规矩: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "规矩" (rules, customs, the done thing; well-behaved): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is taught in chapter 23, lesson 10: 规矩, 相同, 裤子 and 7 more words.