unknown, 9 strokes, radical 矢, rank #15399, Very Hard
矩
jǔ
pattern
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 矢, rank #15399, Very Hard
矩
jǔ
to carve
unknown, 9 strokes, radical 矢, rank #15399, Very Hard
jǔ(ju3) T3
1carpenter's square, ruler, rule
2regulation
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March 24, 2026
矩(榘)jǔ(ju3)
The character 矩 (jǔ) refers to a carpenter's square or ruler, representing tools used for measuring and creating right angles. It can also denote rules or regulations, symbolizing order and structure in various contexts. This character conveys precision and adherence to standards in both practical and metaphorical uses.
Strokes9Radical矢Frequency#15399DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese carpentry, tools like the carpenter's square were essential not only for construction but also for embodying principles of harmony and balance in architecture, which reflect broader cultural values of precision and order.
Memory Tip
Imagine a carpenter using a square tool, the 'jǔ' shape resembling a right angle. Picture him carefully measuring out wood to ensure it fits perfectly in a structure, emphasizing the importance of rules and accuracy in his work.
Meanings of 矩
jǔ(ju3)
1carpenter's square, ruler, rule
2regulation
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 矩
矩Simplified
榘Traditional
9Strokes
矢Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#15399Frequency Rank
Podcast: 矩
Podcast: 矩
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AI Study Notes for 矩
Usage Notes
Be cautious about the tone when pronouncing 矩, as the third tone can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. It is often used in technical or formal contexts related to construction and design, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing relevant topics.
HSK Study Tips
Although not part of the official HSK vocabulary, 矩 can connect with words related to measurement (e.g., 尺 - chǐ, ruler) and structure (e.g., 建筑 - jiànzhù, architecture). Focus on recognizing its usage in specialized contexts to enhance your technical vocabulary.
Common Mistakes
Learners may confuse 矩 with similar-sounding characters like 举 (jǔ), which means 'to lift' or 'to raise.' It's important to practice pronunciation to avoid this mix-up.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 矩
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Drill the tone of 矩 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Phonosemantic compound. 矢 represents the meaning and 巨 represents the sound. Originally written as 巨.
1The meaning half矢 carries the sense.
2The sound half巨 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayarrow
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 矩? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 矩?
Decomposition of 矩
IDS Structure⿰矢巨
矩Full Character
=
矢shi3
left
巨ju4
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 矩?
How to say carpenter's square, ruler, rule in Chinese
“carpenter's square, ruler, rule” in Chinese is矩jǔ
The character 矩 (jǔ) refers to a carpenter's square or ruler, representing tools used for measuring and creating right angles. It can also denote rules or regulations, symbolizing order and structure in various contexts. This character conveys precision and adherence to standards in both practical and metaphorical uses.
When to use 矩
Be cautious about the tone when pronouncing 矩, as the third tone can lead to confusion with similar-sounding words. It is often used in technical or formal contexts related to construction and design, so avoid using it in casual conversation unless discussing relevant topics.
What learners get wrong
Learners may confuse 矩 with similar-sounding characters like 举 (jǔ), which means 'to lift' or 'to raise.' It's important to practice pronunciation to avoid this mix-up.
Write 矩
矩
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Practice writing 矩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 矩
矩 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
规规____矩、结婚成家,有什么用?
What is the point of going legit and getting married?
Common Confusions with 矩
矩vs局
jú
Similar shape but different meaning and pronunciation.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "carpenter's square, ruler, rule"?
or
Example Sentences for 矩 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
规规矩矩、结婚成家,有什么用?
guī guī jǔ jǔ、 、 jié hūn chéng, jiā , yǒu shí?
What is the point of going legit and getting married?