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March 24, 2026
规(槼)guī(gui1)
The character 规 (guī) primarily refers to rules or regulations that govern behavior, actions, or systems. It can also imply a structured plan or scheme, often used in formal contexts such as legal or organizational frameworks. In daily usage, it may denote customs or standards that people are expected to follow.
Strokes8Radical见Frequency#11855DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, following rules and regulations is deeply embedded, reflecting the Confucian values of order and harmony in society. The concept of 规 is often linked to the importance of respecting authority and societal norms.
Memory Tip
Imagine a compass (规) that helps you navigate through rules and regulations. The character has a radical that suggests order, much like how a compass directs you to follow a specific path. Visualize following a straight line on a map, which represents adhering to rules.
Meanings of 规
guī(gui1)
1compass
2a rule
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 规
规Simplified
槼Traditional
8Strokes
见Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#11855Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 规
Podcast: 规
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AI Study Notes for 规
Quick Contrast
规 (guī) vs 则 (zé) — use 规 for rules or regulations, while 则 is more about principles or conditions.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a compass (规) that helps you navigate through rules and regulations. The character has a radical that suggests order, much like how a compass directs you to follow a specific path. Visualize following a straight line on a map, which represents adhering to rules.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 规 (guī) with its variant 规 (gui) due to similar pronunciation. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or organizational policies. Be mindful of using the correct tone, as mispronunciation can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 规 is not listed in HSK levels, it connects with vocabulary related to rules and governance. Students should focus on its use in formal writing and speech, as well as its relation to other words like 规定 (guīdìng, regulation) and 规则 (guīzé, rule).
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, following rules and regulations is deeply embedded, reflecting the Confucian values of order and harmony in society. The concept of 规 is often linked to the importance of respecting authority and societal norms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 规 with similar-sounding characters like 归 (guī, to return), leading to sentences that don’t make sense. For example, saying '我有很多规' (I have many returns) instead of '我有很多规' (I have many rules) can create confusion.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 规
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Grammar Patterns of 规
规 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 8 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
We have found some drivers clueless as to the law.
9
这位议员被控违反了保密规定。
zhè wèi yì yuán bèi kòng wéi fǎn le bǎo mì guī dìng。
The congressman was accused of a breach of secrecy rules.
10
协会的所有成员都遵守一套严格的行为规范。
xié huì de suǒ yǒu chéng yuán dū zūn shǒu yī tào yán gé de háng wéi guī fàn。
All members of the association adhere to a strict code of practice.
Cultural Notes for 规
💡Did you know?
The character 规 (guī) is historically linked to the concept of rules and regulations in Chinese society. It reflects the importance of order and structure, which are highly valued in traditional Chinese culture.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, following rules and regulations is deeply embedded, reflecting the Confucian values of order and harmony in society. The concept of 规 is often linked to the importance of respecting authority and societal norms.
📜Proverb
The Chinese proverb '无规矩不成方圆' means 'Without rules, nothing can be accomplished.' It underscores the significance of having regulations in any endeavor.
Word Family of 规
Compounds1
窥kui1to peep, to spy on, to watch
Words Containing This Character20
规定guīdìngprovision規定
规则guīzérule規則
规矩guījurule規矩
规划guīhuàplanning規劃
规模guīmóscale規模
规范guīfànnorm規範
规律guīrhythm規律
法规fǎguīlegislation法規
常规chángguīcode of conduct常規
大规模dàguīmólarge scale大規模
犯规fànguīa foul犯規
违规wéiguīirregular違規
规guīcompass規
正规zhèngguīregular正規
规格guīgéstandard規格
规章guīzhāngrule規章
规范化to standardize規範化
不规则irregular不規則
循规蹈矩to act according to convention循規蹈矩
规避to evade規避
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 窥 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 规
规 (guī) is a character that means rule or regulation, while 规定 (guīdìng) specifically refers to a set of rules or regulations established for a particular situation. 规定 includes the idea of stipulation or specification, making it more formal.
规 is pronounced as 'guī' in Mandarin. The tone is the first tone, which is high and level. Practicing the pronunciation can help in understanding its usage in various phrases.
规 (guī) refers to a rule or regulation, often signifying guidelines that govern behavior or processes. It can also mean to admonish, plan, or scheme. This character is commonly used in contexts involving rules and structured plans.
You can use 规 in a sentence like '我们需要遵守这条规定' (Wǒmen xūyào zūnshǒu zhè tiáo guīdìng), which means 'We need to follow this rule.' It can highlight the importance of adhering to regulations or guidelines in various contexts.
规 refers to rules in a general sense, while 规则 specifically denotes established rules or regulations, often with a more formal connotation.
While 规 is primarily used in formal contexts, it can occasionally appear in informal discussions about rules, especially among friends or peers.
You can think of 'guī' as sounding like 'gui' in English, but remember to stress the 'i' sound distinctly.
