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矩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
矩jǔcarpenter's square, ruler, ruleng, 9 strokes, radical 矢, rank #15399, Hard
矩jǔregulationunknown, 9 strokes, radical 矢, rank #15399, Hard
矩jǔpatternunknown, 9 strokes, radical 矢, rank #15399, Hard
矩jǔto carveunknown, 9 strokes, radical 矢, rank #15399, Hard
jǔ(ju3) T3
  1. 1carpenter's square, ruler, rule
  2. 2regulation
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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#15399DifficultyHard
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

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Podcast: 矩

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 矩

Memory Mnemonic

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.

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.

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.

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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Etymology of 矩

Formation Typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Explanation

Phonosemantic compound. 矢 represents the meaning and 巨 represents the sound. Originally written as 巨.

Memory Hint

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Semantic (meaning)矢
+
Phonetic (sound)巨
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
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?

Write 矩

矩

Practice writing 矩 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

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?
2
料理好厨房需要把一切都安排得规规矩矩，且要讲求速度。

liào lǐ hǎo chú fáng xū yào bǎ yī qiē dū ān pái dé guī guī jǔ jǔ， ， qiě yào jiǎng qiú sù。

Running a kitchen involves a great deal of discipline and speed.
3
我们倾向于把维多利亚时代的人想象得非常古板、中规中矩。

wǒ mén qīng xiàng yú bǎ wéi duō lì yà shí dài de rén xiǎng xiàng dé fēi cháng gǔ bǎn、 、 zhōng guī zhōng。

We tend to imagine that the Victorians were very prim and proper.
4
很多不能或不按规矩行事的小孩常常被人欺负。

hěn duō bù néng huò bù àn guī jǔ háng shì de xiǎo hái cháng cháng bèi rén qī fù。

Many children who can't or don't conform are often bullied.
5
很多父母觉得要孩子循规蹈矩是件很难的事情。

hěn duō fù mǔ jué dé yào hái zǐ xún guī dǎo jǔ shì jiàn hěn nán de shì qíng。

Many parents find it hard to discourage bad behaviour.
6
如果你规规矩矩，就可以一辈子都捧着这个饭碗。

rú guǒ nǐ guī guī jǔ jǔ， ， jiù kě yǐ yī bèi zǐ dū pěng zháo zhè gè fàn。

If you kept your nose clean, you had a job for life.
7
规矩点，否则的话，哼！

guī jǔ diǎn， ， fǒu zé de， huà！

Behave, or else!
8
你得规矩点。

nǐ dé guī jǔ diǎn。

You have to behave.
9
他们都是规矩的缴租人.

tā mén dū shì guī jǔ de jiǎo zū rén.

They are all good payers.
10
但在中间铰处,弯矩必定为零.

dàn zài zhōng jiān jiǎo chǔ, , wān jǔ bì dìng wéi.

But the bending moment at the central hinge must vanish.

Cultural Notes for 矩

🏮Cultural insight

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.

Word Family of 矩

Compounds1
榘ju3rule, regulation; pattern; to carve
Words Containing This Character15
规矩guījurule規矩
矩阵array矩陣
矩jǔrule
扭矩torque
循规蹈矩to act according to convention循規蹈矩
矩形rectangle
力矩torque
守规矩to behave oneself守規矩
磁矩magnetic moment
规行矩步to act according to convention規行矩步
中心矩(statistics) central moment
规矩准绳norms規矩準繩
规矩绳墨norms規矩繩墨
矩尺set square (tool to measure right angles)
原点矩(statistics) moment原點矩
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 榘 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 矩

矩 refers specifically to a carpenter's square, while 尺 is a more general term for a ruler.