Chinese Character: 轨
1. Character Basics
Radical: 车/chē (vehicle), 九/jiǔ (nine)
Stroke Count: 6 strokes
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Guǐ (Third tone)
3. Meaning
Basic Meaning: Track; rail; orbit
Extended Meaning: Path; course; rule; norm
Additional Meaning: To follow a path or rule
4. Common Words
- 轨道 (guǐ dào) - Track; orbit
Example: 火车在轨道上行驶。(Huǒ chē zài guǐ dào shàng xíng shǐ. - The train runs on the track.) - 铁轨 (tiě guǐ) - Railway track
Example: 工人正在修理铁轨。(Gōng rén zhèng zài xiū lǐ tiě guǐ. - Workers are repairing the railway track.) - 轨迹 (guǐ jì) - Trajectory; path
Example: 卫星的轨迹可以被精准计算。(Wèi xīng de guǐ jì kě yǐ bèi jīng zhǔn jì suàn. - The satellite's trajectory can be precisely calculated.) - 越轨 (yuè guǐ) - To cross the track; to behave improperly
Example: 他的行为已经越轨了。(Tā de xíng wéi yǐ jīng yuè guǐ le. - His behavior has already crossed the line.) - 正轨 (zhèng guǐ) - Correct track; proper path
Example: 我们需要把项目带回正轨。(Wǒ men xū yào bǎ xiàng mù dài huí zhèng guǐ. - We need to bring the project back on track.)
5. Grammar & Usage
Noun Usage: Refers to tracks, rails, or paths
Example: 这条轨道通向车站。(Zhè tiáo guǐ dào tōng xiàng chē zhàn. - This track leads to the station.)
Verb Usage: To follow a path or rule
Example: 我们应该轨范自己的行为。(Wǒ men yīng gāi guǐ fàn zì jǐ de xíng wéi. - We should regulate our behavior.)
Common Structure: Often used in compound words related to tracks, paths, or rules
Example: 有轨电车 (yǒu guǐ diàn chē) - Tram (literally "tracked electric car")
6. Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, the concept of "轨" (guǐ) has both literal and metaphorical meanings. Literally, it refers to physical tracks or paths that guide movement. Metaphorically, it represents rules, norms, and proper paths of behavior.
The phrase "循规蹈矩" (xún guī dǎo jǔ) means to follow rules and conventions strictly. This reflects the traditional Chinese value of social order and adherence to established norms.
In modern Chinese society, the character is often used in transportation contexts (like 铁路 - tiě lù - railway) and in expressions about following proper procedures (like 纳入正轨 - nà rù zhèng guǐ - bring onto the right track).
7. Example Sentence
Example 1:
中文: 火车沿着轨道行驶。
拼音: Huǒ chē yán zhe guǐ dào xíng shǐ.
English: The train travels along the track.
Example 2:
中文: 我们必须遵守安全规范。
拼音: Wǒ men bì xū zūn shǒu ān quán guī fàn.
English: We must follow safety regulations.
Example 3:
中文: 卫星在预定的轨道上运行。
拼音: Wèi xīng zài yù dìng de guǐ dào shàng yùn xíng.
English: The satellite operates in its predetermined orbit.
8. Memory Tips
1. Visual Association: The character 轨 consists of 车 (chē - vehicle) and 九 (jiǔ - nine), suggesting a vehicle following a path.
2. Stroke Mnemonic: Remember the 6 strokes in order: horizontal (一), vertical (丨), horizontal (一), horizontal (一),撇 (丿), and 竖弯钩 (乚).
3. Sound Association: The pinyin "guǐ" rhymes with the English word "gway" but with a falling-rising tone.
4. Cultural Connection: Link the character to its metaphorical meaning of rules and proper paths.
5. Word Association: Learn common words like 轨道 (guǐ dào - track) and 轨迹 (guǐ jì - trajectory) to reinforce your memory of the character.