Chinese Character: 矩
1. Character Basics
Radical: 矢/shǐ (表示箭/测量工具)
Stroke Count: 9
Stroke Order:
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: jǔ (third tone)
3. Meaning
rule, square, pattern, norm, criterion, measuring tool
4. Common Words
- 规矩 (guī jǔ) - rules, regulations, standard
- 矩形 (jǔ xíng) - rectangle
- 矩尺 (jǔ chǐ) - square (measuring tool)
- 矩度 (jǔ dù) - standard, criterion
- 循规蹈矩 (xún guī dǎo jǔ) - follow rules strictly
- 规行矩步 (guī xíng jǔ bù) - behave properly
5. Grammar & Usage
In compound words: 我们需要遵守规矩 (wǒ men xū yào zūn shǒu guī jǔ) - We need to follow the rules
In scientific terms: 这个图形是矩形 (zhè ge tú xíng shì jǔ xíng) - This shape is a rectangle
In idiomatic expressions: 他做事循规蹈矩 (tā zuò shì xún guī dǎo jǔ) - He does things strictly according to rules
Common structure: 规 + 矩 (often used together)
Note: Often used in contexts related to rules, standards, and geometry
6. Cultural Background
In ancient China, 矩 was one of the 'Six Tools' (六艺) for scholars
The concept of 规矩 represents social norms and moral standards
Chinese philosophy emphasizes the importance of following rules (守规矩)
The square (矩) and compass (规) were symbolically used to represent balance and order
The idiom 无规矩不成方圆 means 'without rules, nothing can be done properly'
7. Example Sentence
Chinese: 无规矩不成方圆。
Pinyin: Wú guī jǔ bù chéng fāng yuán.
Translation: Without rules, nothing can be done properly.
8. Memory Tips
The character 矩 consists of 矢 (shǐ - arrow) and 巨 (jù - huge/big)
Think of "a big (巨) measuring tool (矢) used to draw squares"
The character has 9 strokes
Remember the common phrase 规矩 (rules) which is often used in daily life
The radical 矢 appears in characters related to arrows or measurement