矩 jǔ carpenter's square
carpenter's square; ruler; rule
How to remember 矩: 矢 arrow + 巨 large = carpenter's square. The carpenter draws an arrow on a large plank and asks his apprentice to hand him the carpenter's square.
Component breakdown
矩 = 矢 arrow + 巨 large
- 矢 arrow
- 巨 large
The carpenter draws an arrow on a large plank and asks his apprentice to hand him the carpenter's square.
How it is used
- A carpenter's square, hence rule/norm - nearly always in 规矩 (guīju), rules/manners/proper conduct.
- 规矩 (compass 规 + square 矩) = the established rules or good manners: 守规矩 (shǒu guīju) to behave/follow the rules, 老规矩 the usual custom.
- 规矩 can also describe a person as well-behaved/proper: 他很规矩 he's well-mannered.
- 循规蹈矩 (xúnguī-dǎojǔ) = to strictly follow convention (sometimes implying rigidity).