規範

• Reading: きはん
• Romaji: kihan
• Kanji breakdown: 規 (ki) — rule, compass, standard; 範 (han) — model, pattern, example
• Pronunciation: /ki.haɴ/

Meaning

Model; standard; norm. A criterion or pattern that serves as a guide for behaviour or judgement.

A formal noun used in academic, legal, and ethical discussions to describe established standards of conduct or evaluation. Often appears in compounds like 規範意識 (awareness of norms) and in discussions of social ethics or legal principles.

Examples

1. 社会の規範を守ることは大切だ。 It's important to abide by the norms of society.
2. 彼の行動は道徳的な規範に反している。 His behavior goes against moral norms.
3. この地域には独自の規範が存在する。 This region has its own unique norms.

Usage Guide

Context: ethics, law, academia

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 規 (rule, compass) + 範 (model, pattern). Both characters relate to standards and models, reinforcing the meaning of an established guideline.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal