规范

• Pinyin: guī fàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 规 = 夫 (man) + 见 (see), originally referring to a compass tool; 范 = simplified from 範, meaning a model or pattern

Meaning

Standard; norm; to regulate. Refers to established rules or standards, or the act of making something conform to standards.

Can be used as a noun (a standard or norm), an adjective (standardized, proper), or a verb (to regulate or standardize). Common in formal and professional contexts, especially in education, business, and government.

Examples

1. 老师要求我们写规范的汉字。 The teacher requires us to write standardized Chinese characters.
2. 公司有很多行为规范。 The company has many codes of conduct.
3. 我们应该规范自己的语言。 We should regulate our own language.

Usage Guide

Context: education, workplace, official

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 请按照规范来做。(Please do it according to the standards.)
• 这个文件写得很规范。(This document is written in a very standard way.)

Don't Say

• 你穿衣服很规范。(Don't use 规范 to describe personal style — it sounds overly formal. Use 得体 or 合适 for appropriate dressing)

Origin & History

规 (rule, compass) + 范 (model, pattern). Together they mean 'rule and model' — i.e., standards to follow.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal