不以规矩，不能成方圆 bù yǐ guī ju ， bù néng chéng fāng yuán

without rules, nothing can be done

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

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

Characters

Character Meaning
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
以 yǐ HSK 2
to use; by means of; according to
规 guī HSK 4
regulation; a rule; to admonish
矩 ju HSK 5
rule; regulation; pattern
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
能 néng HSK 1
can; to be able to; ability
成 chéng HSK 3
to become; to succeed; to complete
方 fāng HSK 3
method; direction; side
圆 yuán HSK 5
unit of Chinese currency (yuan); round; circle