圭 (guī) - A jade tablet or scepter used in ancient & a unit of measurement for volume and weight

圭Tone 1

guī ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 土

枫惠

圭 · guī

A jade tablet or scepter used in ancient Chinese rituals;

a unit of measurement for volume and weight;

also refers to something precious or of high quality.

A jade tablet or scepter used in ancienta unit of measurement for volume and weightalso refers to something precious or of high

Usage highlights

Jade tabletSundialCeremonial jadeStandard measureNoble characterRitual object

Synonyms

  • 玉— jade (general term)
  • 璋— a type of jade tablet
  • 璧— a flat jade disc

Antonyms

  • 瓦— tile (common vs. precious)
  • 石— stone (ordinary vs. ritual object)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient ritual jade tablet (圭璧) was used in ceremonies.
  • In ancient times, a unit of volume called gui (圭) was used.
  • The sundial's shadow falls on the marked lines (圭表).

Collocations

  • Jade tablet(圭璧)
  • Sundial(圭表)
  • Ceremonial jade(圭玉)
  • Standard measure(圭臬)
  • Noble character(圭璋)
  • Ritual object(圭器)

Idioms

  • A model or standard to follow(奉为圭臬)
  • As pure as jade(圭璋特达)
  • Unblemished jade(圭角不露)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally a type of jade tablet used in feudal ceremonies by nobles.
  • Symbolized authority and was used in rituals to communicate with heaven.
  • Later extended to mean a standard or criterion (圭臬) in various contexts.

FAQ