沒有規矩，不成方圓 méi yǒu guī ju ， bù chéng fāng yuán

without rules, nothing works; rules are needed

Word data

HSK Not in HSK
Frequency Unknown

Definitions

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

Characters

Character Meaning
沒 méi
not; (negative prefix for verbs); have not
有 yǒu HSK 1
to have; there is; there are
規 guī
regulation; a rule; to admonish
矩 ju HSK 5
rule; regulation; pattern
不 bù HSK 1
not; no; (negative prefix)
成 chéng HSK 3
to become; to succeed; to complete
方 fāng HSK 3
method; direction; side
圓 yuán
unit of Chinese currency (yuan); round; circle