규칙을 지키다.

The Korean phrase '규칙을 지키다' (gyuchigeul jikida) directly translates to 'to keep/abide by rules.' Let's break down the etymology of each component: * **규칙 (gyuchik):** This noun means 'rule,' 'regulation,' 'code,' or 'guideline.' It is a Sino-Korean word, meaning its origin is Chinese characters. It is composed of: * **규 (圭 - gyu):** This character originally referred to a 'jade tablet' or 'scepter' used as a symbol of authority or measurement. Over time, it evolved to mean 'standard,' 'model,' or 'rule.' * **칙 (則 - chik):** This character means 'rule,' 'law,' 'regulation,' 'pattern,' or 'to imitate.' It depicts a knife (刀) on top of a shell (貝), suggesting cutting or carving patterns, thus establishing norms. Therefore, '규칙' fundamentally means something that serves as a standard or model to be followed, a principle or regulation. * **을 (eul):** This is an object marker particle in Korean. It indicates that the preceding noun ('규칙' in this case) is the direct object of the verb. It does not have an independent etymology in the same way a lexical word does, as it's a grammatical function word that developed within the Korean language system. * **지키다 (jikida):** This verb means 'to keep,' 'to guard,' 'to defend,' 'to abide by,' or 'to protect.' The etymology of '지키다' is purely native Korean (고유어 - goyueo) and does not derive from Chinese characters. Its roots can be traced back to Old Korean forms. While tracing its precise ancient form is complex, it has consistently conveyed the meaning of maintaining, preserving, or adhering to something throughout the history of the Korean language. It implies active effort to ensure something remains intact or is followed. **In summary:** The phrase '규칙을 지키다' combines a Sino-Korean word for 'rule' (규칙) with a native Korean verb for 'to keep/abide by' (지키다), linked by the object particle '을.' The combination clearly expresses the action of adhering to established standards or regulations. The etymology reflects the historical layers of the Korean language, drawing both from indigenous vocabulary and Chinese loanwords that have become fully integrated.