规矩

• Pinyin: guī ju
• Hanzi breakdown: 规 = 夫 + 见 (man + see — originally a compass; to set standards); 矩 = 矢 + 巨 (arrow + large — a set-square; measure of rectitude)

Meaning

Rules; norms; conventions; propriety. As a noun, refers to established rules of conduct; as an adjective, describes someone who is well-behaved and follows the rules.

Originally referred to carpenter's tools (compass and set-square), evolving to mean standards of conduct. In Chinese culture, 规矩 carries a strong moral and social dimension — someone who is 规矩 is reliable, principled, and does not overstep boundaries. Breaking 规矩 implies moral or social transgression.

Examples

1. 新员工入职时必须认真了解公司的各项规矩，切勿在不知情的情况下触碰红线。 When new employees start, they must carefully learn all the company rules and avoid crossing red lines out of ignorance.
2. 他为人规矩老实，从不占别人半点便宜，深受左邻右舍的信赖。 He’s honest and well-behaved, never takes advantage of anyone, and is deeply trusted by his neighbors.
3. 没有规矩，不成方圆，任何团体都需要明确的行为准则来维持秩序。 Without rules, nothing can function properly—any group needs clear standards of conduct to maintain order.

Usage Guide

Context: social norms, workplace, family, behaviour

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 在职场中，遵守基本的规矩不仅是对他人的尊重，也是保护自身职业发展的必要条件。(In the workplace, observing basic rules is not only a sign of respect for others but also a necessary condition for protecting one's own career development.)
• 孩子从小养成守规矩的习惯，长大后才能更好地适应社会的各种要求。(Children who develop the habit of following rules from an early age will be better equipped to meet the various demands of society when they grow up.)

Don't Say

• 规矩是用来打破的 — while a common Western sentiment, this phrasing is culturally jarring in formal Chinese contexts where 规矩 carries moral authority; avoid unless used ironically with full awareness of the cultural weight

Origin & History

规 (compass — to draw circles, i.e., set standards) + 矩 (set-square — to measure right angles, i.e., norms)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal