规矩

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

含义

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.

例句

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。
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。
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。

用法指南

语境: social norms, workplace, family, behaviour

语气: serious

正确说法

• 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.)

错误说法

• 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

起源与历史

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

文化背景

世代: All ages

社会背景: Universal