規 — Rule, Standard

Meaning

Hello language learners! Today, we're exploring the N2 kanji 規き. You'll frequently encounter it in everyday Japanese, especially when discussing systems, policies, and measurements. At its core, 規き means rule, standard, regulation, or measure. It's the kanji that defines how things should be done or how they are structured.

The kanji 規き is a phono-semantic compound, meaning its components offer clues to both its sound and its meaning. The left side, though slightly modified, originates from 夫 (フ/FU), which can mean 'husband' or 'man.' In this context, however, it often acts as a phonetic component. In older forms, it could represent a carpenter's square or compass—tools essential for drawing precise circles or straight lines, thereby symbolizing 'rules' or 'standards' for construction. The right side is 見 (ケン/KEN, みる/miru), which means 'to see' or 'to observe.'

So, combining these elements, 規き visually represents 'observing' (見) 'standards' or 'tools of measurement' (夫). Imagine a craftsman carefully 'looking at' a 'square' or 'ruler' to ensure their work meets the required 'standard' or 'rule.' This imagery beautifully encapsulates the essence of 規き: establishing, observing, and adhering to guidelines, regulations, and norms. It's not merely about a rule existing, but about the active process of measuring against it and conforming to it. This kanji has 11 strokes and is taught in the 6th grade in Japan.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The On'yomi reading of 規き is the most common and versatile, appearing in a wide array of compound words.

• キ (KI): This is the primary on'yomi reading for 規き and features in almost all modern Japanese words containing this kanji. It consistently conveys meanings related to rules, standards, scale, and regulation. Here are some examples:

• 規き則そく (kisoku) — rule, regulation. This is one of the most fundamental words. For instance, you might say, 学校がっこうの規き則そく (gakkou no kisoku - school rules).

• 規き模ぼ (kibo) — scale, scope, size. This word describes the magnitude of something, like 大だい規き模ぼな工事こうじ (daikibo na kouji - large-scale construction).

• 規き定てい (kitei) — stipulation, provision, regulation. This refers to specific rules or conditions set forth. You might see it in contexts like 会かい社しゃの規き定てい (kaisha no kitei - company regulations).

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

The Kun'yomi reading of 規き is far less common in contemporary Japanese than its on'yomi counterparts. While it technically exists, you'll rarely encounter it in everyday conversation or writing. It typically appears in more archaic, literary, or very specific compound nouns that denote a 'model' or 'precept' to be followed.

• のり (nori): This reading, though listed, is quite rare. When it does appear, it usually signifies a 'rule,' 'model,' or 'pattern.' It often carries a more philosophical or traditional nuance than the direct 'rule' implied by the on'yomi. For example, while not commonly seen as a standalone word in modern Japanese, it historically appeared in expressions emphasizing a moral or behavioral standard, such as in the classic phrase 仏ぶつのりのり (butsu no nori - Buddhist law/precept). For the vast majority of your Japanese learning, however, focus on the on'yomi readings.

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 規き is incredibly versatile, forming a wide range of words essential for discussing rules, standards, and systems. This section presents some of the most common and useful compounds, grouped by their nuance.

Words related to Rules and Regulations

• 規き則そく (kisoku) — rule, regulation. This is a very common word for any kind of rule, from school rules to traffic rules.
• 規き定てい (kitei) — stipulation, provision, regulation. Often refers to formal rules or established conditions, especially in legal or organizational contexts.
• 規き律りつ (kiritsu) — discipline, order. This emphasizes the adherence to rules for maintaining order and self-control.
• 規き範はん (kihan) — norm, standard. Refers to a model or standard of behavior or judgment that is generally accepted.

Words related to Standards, Scope, and Control

• 規き格かく (kikaku) — standard, specification. Often used for technical or industrial standards, like product specifications.
• 規き模ぼ (kibo) — scale, scope, size. Describes the extent or magnitude of something, from small to large-scale projects.
• 規き制せい (kisei) — regulation, control. Refers to the act or system of controlling or restricting something, often by government bodies.

Verbs and Adjectival Phrases

• 規き定ていする (kitei suru) — to stipulate, to prescribe. The verb form of 規き定てい, meaning to set rules or conditions.
• 規き則そく正ただしい (kisokutadashii) — regular, orderly. Describes something that follows rules or a routine consistently.
• 不ふ規き則そく (fukisoku) — irregular. The opposite of 規き則そく正ただしい, describing something that doesn't follow a pattern.

Advanced Compounds

• 倫りん理り規き範はん (rinri kihan) — ethical norms.
• 政せい府ふ規き制せい (seifu kisei) — government regulations.

Example Sentences

Memory Tip

To help you remember 規き, we can connect its components to its core meaning of "rule" or "standard." Think of the left part, which comes from 夫 (man/husband), as a carpenter's square—a tool essential for ensuring things are perfectly straight and up to standard. The right part is 見 (to see, to observe). Picture a construction worker meticulously observing (見) the angles with a carpenter's square (represented by the 夫 component) to ensure everything adheres to the exact rules and standards. This vivid image of carefully checking against a measuring tool reinforces the idea of strict adherence to guidelines and specifications.