矩 (jǔ) - Carpenter's square & rule

矩Tone 3

jǔ ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 矢

傑君

矩 · jǔ

Carpenter's square;

rule;

regulation;

standard;

norm;

principle.

Carpenter's squareruleregulation

Usage highlights

Rules and regulationsCarpenter's squareMoral standardPrescribed limitSquare and compassesMatrix

Synonyms

  • 规— compasses; rule; regulation
  • 法— law; method; standard
  • 则— rule; regulation; principle

Antonyms

  • 乱— disorder; chaos; confusion
  • 逾— exceed; go beyond; transgress

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Follow the rules and regulations (规矩).
  • The engineer used a square to measure right angles (矩尺).
  • This is within the prescribed limits (矩度).
  • He acts according to moral principles (矩范).

Collocations

  • Rules and regulations(规矩)
  • Carpenter's square(矩尺)
  • Moral standard(矩范)
  • Prescribed limit(矩度)
  • Square and compasses(规矩)
  • Matrix(矩阵)

Idioms

  • Square and compasses, rule and line(规矩绳墨)
  • Follow the compass and square(循规蹈矩)
  • Extend the compasses and square(规天矩地)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally referred to the carpenter's square, one of the essential tools in ancient Chinese craftsmanship.
  • In Confucian philosophy, '矩' symbolizes moral standards and behavioral norms that one should follow.
  • The character appears in classical texts emphasizing the importance of rules and measurements in both physical and moral domains.

FAQ