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March 24, 2026
规矩(規矩)guīju(gui1ju5)
规矩 (guī ju) refers to established rules, standards, or customs that govern behavior in a society. It often implies a sense of proper conduct or decorum, where individuals are expected to act within certain boundaries. In a broader sense, it can also denote a moral or ethical framework guiding one's actions.
Frequency#1736DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, adhering to 规矩 is essential for social harmony and respect, reflecting Confucian values where proper conduct is crucial in maintaining relationships and community order. It often comes up in discussions about family, business etiquette, and public behavior.
Memory Tip
Imagine a compass (规) and a set square (矩) guiding you to draw the perfect line. This symbolizes how rules and customs help us navigate through life, ensuring we stay on the right path and behave appropriately.
Meanings of 规矩
guīju(gui1ju5)
1lit. compass and set square
2fig. established standard
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 规矩
规矩Simplified
規矩Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名形词xíngróngcíadj-noun (adj.-n.)Part of Speech
#1736Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 规矩
Podcast: 规矩
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AI Study Notes for 规矩
Quick Contrast
礼节 (lǐjié) - use 规矩 (guīju) when emphasizing established rules or customs, while 礼节 (lǐjié) focuses more on etiquette and formalities in social interactions.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a compass (规) and a set square (矩) guiding you to draw the perfect line. This symbolizes how rules and customs help us navigate through life, ensuring we stay on the right path and behave appropriately.
Usage Notes
Be careful to use 规矩 in contexts referring to social norms or behavioral standards rather than physical rules or laws. It's more formal and is often used in discussions about etiquette and morals. Common collocations include '遵守规矩' (to follow the rules) and '打破规矩' (to break the rules).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 规矩 connects with other terms related to norms and behavior, like '规范' (guīfàn, standard) and '习俗' (xísú, customs). Focus on using it in sentences that describe behaviors and societal expectations to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, adhering to 规矩 is essential for social harmony and respect, reflecting Confucian values where proper conduct is crucial in maintaining relationships and community order. It often comes up in discussions about family, business etiquette, and public behavior.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 规矩 with laws or regulations. For example, saying '这条规矩是法律' (This rule is a law) is incorrect; it should be '这条规矩是社会习俗' (This rule is a social custom).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 规矩
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Grammar Patterns of 规矩
规矩 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 7 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
规____矩、结婚成家，有什么用？
What is the point of going legit and getting married?
Example Sentences for 规矩 (9)
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1
规规矩矩、结婚成家，有什么用？
guī guī jǔ jǔ、 、 jié hūn chéng， jiā ， yǒu shí？
What is the point of going legit and getting married?
In Chinese culture, adhering to 规矩 is essential for social harmony and respect, reflecting Confucian values where proper conduct is crucial in maintaining relationships and community order. It often comes up in discussions about family, business etiquette, and public behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions about 规矩
No, 规矩 is primarily about social customs and behavioral standards, not legal regulations.
Yes, similar words include '规范' (guīfàn) for standards and '习俗' (xísú) for customs.
You might say '在我们家，遵守规矩是非常重要的' (In our family, following the rules is very important).
