不以規矩，不能成方圓 bù yǐ guī ju ， bù néng chéng fāng yuán

DEFINITIONS

  1. without rules, nothing can be done (idiom, from Mencius); one must follow some rules

CHARACTERS

不 bù
HSK 1
no, not; un-; negative prefix
以 yǐ
HSK 2
by means of; thereby, therefore; consider as; in order to
規 guī rules, regulations, customs, law
矩 ju
HSK 5
carpenter's square, ruler, rule
不 bù
HSK 1
no, not; un-; negative prefix
能 néng
HSK 1
to be able; can, permitted to; ability
成 chéng
HSK 3
completed, finished, fixed
方 fāng
HSK 3
a square, rectangle; a region; local
圓 yuán circle; round, circular; complete