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A2 noun 10 min read

家规

jiagui

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 家规 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 家规 in your Level:

At the A1 level, think of 家规 (jiāguī) as 'the list of things you must or must not do at home.' In a simple Chinese house, these are basic instructions from parents. For example, 'Wash your hands before eating' or 'No TV after 8 PM.' At this level, you only need to know that 家 (jiā) means home and 规 (guī) is like a rule. You might hear a teacher ask, 'What are your family rules?' and you can answer with simple patterns like 'My family rule is...' (我们家的家规是...). It is a useful word for talking about your daily routine and your relationship with your parents. Even if you don't use the word '家规' every day, knowing it helps you understand why Chinese children might say they 'can't' do something—it is often because of a specific rule at home. You can imagine a piece of paper on the fridge with a list of tasks; that list is the 家规. When you are A1, focus on the '家' part, as it makes the word feel personal and familiar. It is one of the first 'rule' words you learn because the home is the first place we learn rules. You will mostly use it in the singular or as a general concept. Just remember: 家 (home) + 规 (rule) = 家规 (family rules).

At the A2 level, you can start using 家规 (jiāguī) to describe your lifestyle and the expectations placed upon you. You should be able to say whether your family rules are 'strict' (严 - yán) or 'lenient' (宽 - kuān). At this stage, you are learning to connect the word to verbs like '遵守' (zūnshǒu - to obey) and '违反' (wéifǎn - to violate). For instance, 'I must obey my family rules' (我必须遵守家规). You will also notice that '家规' is often used to explain 'why' you have certain habits. If someone asks why you never eat snacks, you might say 'It's a family rule' (这是家规). This level also introduces the idea that rules vary between families. You might compare your rules with a friend's rules. 'My family rules are stricter than yours' (我的家规比你的严). You should also be comfortable using '家规' in the context of chores and responsibilities. It is no longer just a 'no' word; it is a word about how a household functions. You might see it in simple reading passages about a 'typical day' in a Chinese family. Understanding this word at A2 helps you navigate social conversations about family life, which is a very common topic in Chinese culture. It shows you understand the structure of a Chinese home.

At the B1 level, 家规 (jiāguī) begins to represent more than just simple instructions; it reflects values and social education. You will use the word to discuss the 'reasons' behind rules. For example, you might discuss how 'establishing family rules' (制定家规) helps children develop good habits (养成好习惯). You will encounter the word in more complex texts about parenting styles and child development. At this level, you should be able to distinguish '家规' from '家教' (upbringing) and '规矩' (general manners). You might participate in a debate about whether modern families still need formal rules. 'Some people think family rules are too restrictive, but others think they are necessary for discipline.' (有些人认为家规太严格，但也有人认为纪律是必要的). You will also learn common idioms or phrases associated with the word, such as '无规矩不成方圆' (without rules, there is no order). Your vocabulary should expand to include terms like '约束' (yūshù - to constrain) and '习惯' (xíguàn - habit) in conjunction with 家规. You are moving from just stating the rules to analyzing their impact on personality and social success. This is also where you might learn about the cultural significance of the 'head of the household' (家长) in setting these rules.

At the B2 level, 家规 (jiāguī) is discussed in the context of sociology and cultural heritage. You will analyze how family rules have changed from the traditional large-family structures of the past to the modern nuclear families of today. You should be able to discuss 'traditional family instructions' (传统家训) and how they have evolved into modern '家规.' At this level, you are expected to use more formal vocabulary, such as '道德准则' (dàodé zhǔnzé - moral standards) and '文化传承' (wénhuà chuánchéng - cultural inheritance). You might read articles about how famous figures in Chinese history used '家规' to maintain their family's prestige over hundreds of years. You will also look at the darker side of the concept—how overly strict '家规' can lead to family conflict or psychological pressure on children. You should be able to write an essay comparing Eastern and Western concepts of household discipline, using '家规' as a central theme. The word becomes a tool for discussing broader social issues like 'filial piety' (孝道) and 'authority' (权威). You will notice that '家规' is often linked to '家风' (family style), and you should be able to explain how the specific rules of a house create its unique atmosphere and reputation.

At the C1 level, your understanding of 家规 (jiāguī) should include its literary and historical dimensions. You will study classical texts like 'Yan's Family Instructions' (颜氏家训) or 'Zhu's Family Motto' (朱子家训) and see how these formal '家规' shaped Chinese intellectual history. You should be able to discuss the nuance between '家规' (rules), '家法' (family law/punishment), and '家学' (family scholarship). At this level, you are analyzing the word as a reflection of Confucian ethics and the 'Great Learning' (大学) philosophy—that to govern a country, one must first regulate one's family (齐家). You will use the word in sophisticated discussions about the 'legalization' of family relations in modern China and how the state sometimes steps in where '家规' used to be the sole authority. Your language should be precise and academic, using phrases like '伦理道德' (lúnlǐ dàodé - ethics and morality) and '社会化过程' (shèhuìhuà guòchéng - socialization process). You can critique the role of '家规' in maintaining patriarchal structures or its role in preserving minority cultures in a globalized world. You are no longer just learning the word; you are using it as a lens to view the complexity of Chinese social structure and historical continuity.

At the C2 level, 家规 (jiāguī) is a concept you can deconstruct and reconstruct across historical, legal, and philosophical contexts. You can discuss the '家规' of the imperial family versus the common people and how these rules functioned as a supplementary legal system in imperial China. You should be able to engage in high-level academic discourse on the 'semi-public' nature of the Chinese family and how '家规' served as a bridge between the private individual and the public state. You can analyze contemporary legal cases where '家规' (like traditional inheritance rules) come into conflict with modern civil law. Your mastery allows you to use the term in creative writing or formal speeches to evoke a sense of deep-rooted tradition or to ironically comment on modern social control. You understand the subtle connotations of the word in different dialects or regional cultures within China. You can speak fluently about the 'de-institutionalization' of the family in the 21st century and whether '家规' is becoming a relic of the past or transforming into a new form of digital-age household management. You are a master of the cultural 'weight' the word carries, recognizing it as a cornerstone of the Chinese moral landscape that has persisted, in various forms, for millennia.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

家规 in 30 Seconds

家规 (jiāguī) literally means 'family rules' and refers to the behavioral standards set by parents or elders within a household to maintain order and discipline.
It is a noun commonly paired with verbs like '遵守' (obey) and '制定' (establish). It describes anything from curfews to moral expectations in a home.
The term is culturally significant in China, reflecting Confucian values like filial piety and the importance of the family unit as the foundation of society.
While it can refer to modern household chores, it also has a historical dimension referring to formal ancestral instructions passed down through generations in larger clans.

The Chinese term 家规 (jiāguī) is a compound noun that translates directly to 'family rules' or 'household regulations.' To understand its depth, we must look at the two characters individually: 家 (jiā) meaning home or family, and 规 (guī) meaning rules, regulations, or a compass used for drawing circles. Together, they represent the moral and behavioral compass that guides a family unit. In Chinese culture, the concept of a family rule is not just about chores; it is deeply rooted in the Confucian tradition of Xiao (filial piety) and the maintenance of social harmony starting from the smallest unit of society—the family.

Core Concept: 家规 refers to the specific set of standards, expectations, and prohibitions established by the heads of a household (usually parents or grandparents) to govern the conduct of family members.

每个家庭都有自己的家规，比如晚饭前必须写完作业。(Every family has its own family rules, such as having to finish homework before dinner.)

Historically, 家规 were formal documents in wealthy or scholarly clans, often written down and passed through generations as 'Family Instructions' (家训). In modern times, the word is used more informally to describe the daily boundaries set by parents. You will hear this word most often in discussions about upbringing, discipline, and the differences between traditional and modern parenting styles. It carries a sense of authority and structure. If someone says their 家规 is strict, it implies a household with high standards for respect and behavior.

Cultural Nuance: In many Chinese households,家规 are not just about what you cannot do, but about who you should become. They often emphasize academic excellence and respect for elders.

他的家规非常严，晚上十点以后不能出门。(His family rules are very strict; he cannot go out after 10 PM.)

The word is also used in a broader sociological context to discuss the 'family style' (门风). A family with good 家规 is seen as respectable and likely to produce successful, well-mannered children. Conversely, a lack of 家规 is often blamed for a child's poor behavior in public. In modern media, you might see reality shows or dramas where parents debate the fairness of their 家规, reflecting the shifting dynamics of the contemporary Chinese family where children are finding more voice in the household.

Usage Context: Commonly used in parental lectures, teacher-parent meetings, and between friends when explaining why one cannot participate in an activity.

制定一些合理的家规有助于孩子的成长。(Establishing some reasonable family rules helps a child's growth.)

Using 家规 (jiāguī) in a sentence is relatively straightforward because it functions as a standard noun. However, it is frequently paired with specific verbs that describe the lifecycle of a rule: establishing it, following it, or breaking it. Understanding these pairings is essential for natural-sounding Chinese.

Common Verb Pairings: 制定 (zhìdìng - to establish), 遵守 (zūnshǒu - to obey), 违反 (wéifǎn - to violate), 废除 (fèichú - to abolish).

When you want to describe the nature of the rules, you use adjectives like 严 (yán - strict), 宽 (kuān - lenient), or 合理 (hélǐ - reasonable). For example, '严厉的家规' (yánlì de jiāguī) means 'strict family rules.' In a typical sentence, you might describe the effect of these rules on a person's life.

我们家的家规是吃饭时不许看手机。(Our family rule is that no phones are allowed during meals.)

Notice how '家规' is often followed by '是' (shì - is) to define what the rule actually is. You can also use it to explain a situation. If a friend asks why you are rushing home, you could say '这是家规' (zhè shì jiāguī - this is the family rule), implying that the rule is the ultimate authority you must answer to.

Expressing Strictness: To say rules are strict, use '家规很严' (jiāguī hěn yán). To say they are non-existent, use '没有家规' (méiyǒu jiāguī).

如果不遵守家规，我会被爸爸惩罚。(If I don't follow the family rules, I will be punished by my father.)

In more complex sentences, 家规 can act as the subject or the object. For instance, '家规约束着我们的行为' (Family rules constrain our behavior). Here, the word takes on a more formal, almost legalistic tone, highlighting the power dynamics within the traditional Chinese family hierarchy. Even in modern contexts, referring to household expectations as '家规' adds a layer of seriousness that '要求' (yāoqiú - requirement) might lack.

Formal vs. Informal: In formal writing, 家规 is often discussed alongside '家风' (jiāfēng - family tradition). In casual conversation, it usually refers to specific chores or curfews.

你认为现代家庭还需要家规吗？(Do you think modern families still need family rules?)

You will encounter 家规 (jiāguī) in various settings, ranging from intimate family dinners to national media discussions about social values. Its usage is a barometer for how a person views authority and tradition. In a typical Chinese household, the word might be invoked during a conflict. If a child talks back to a parent, the parent might say, '这是我们家的家规，你必须尊重' (This is our family rule; you must respect it).

Television and Media: In Chinese 'family dramas' (家庭剧), 家规 is a frequent plot device. It often represents the clash between the older generation's traditional values and the younger generation's desire for freedom.

在电视剧里，严厉的爷爷总是提到他的家规。(In TV dramas, the strict grandfather always mentions his family rules.)

In schools, teachers might use the word when discussing '家校合作' (family-school cooperation). They might ask parents to set specific 家规 to ensure students complete their homework or get enough sleep. This reinforces the idea that education is not just the school's responsibility but is supported by the regulatory environment of the home. Furthermore, in the context of the Spring Festival or other traditional holidays, you might hear elders discussing the '家规' of old clans, which often included complex rituals and protocols for ancestor worship.

Internet Forums: On platforms like Zhihu or Weibo, young people often vent about 'odd' or 'unfair' 家规 in their homes, leading to viral discussions about the boundaries of parental control.

网上的帖子经常讨论：你听过最奇葩的家规是什么？(Online posts often discuss: what is the weirdest family rule you have ever heard?)

Finally, you will hear it in news reports or documentaries focusing on 'traditional culture revival.' The Chinese government has occasionally promoted the idea of '家风家训' (family style and instructions) as a way to build a more moral society. In this context, 家规 is seen as a tool for 'moral cultivation' (修身), suggesting that a well-regulated home leads to a well-regulated nation. This historical link makes the word feel much more significant than the English phrase 'house rules,' which often just refers to board games or shared apartments.

Literature: Classic literature like 'Dream of the Red Chamber' is filled with examples of 家规 that dictate everything from seating arrangements to the way one speaks.

古代大家族的家规甚至比法律还要严格。(The family rules of ancient large clans were sometimes even stricter than the law.)

While 家规 (jiāguī) seems simple, learners often make subtle errors in its application, particularly when confusing it with similar terms or using it in the wrong register. The most frequent mistake is confusing it with 家教 (jiājiào). While both relate to the home, they have distinct meanings.

Mistake 1: 家规 vs. 家教: 家规 refers to the specific rules (e.g., 'no TV after 9'). 家教 refers to family education or a person's upbringing (e.g., 'he has good manners, his 家教 is excellent'). You cannot say 'I have a strict 家教' to mean rules; you must say '我家的家规很严.'

Another common error is treating 家规 as a verb. Some learners might try to say 'I will 家规 my children,' but 家规 is strictly a noun. You must use a verb like '制定' (establish) or '立' (set) to describe the action of creating rules. For example: '我要给孩子立家规' (I want to set family rules for my kids).

错误：他正在家规他的弟弟。(Wrong: He is 'family-ruling' his brother.)
正确：他在教弟弟遵守家规。(Correct: He is teaching his brother to obey family rules.)

Learners also sometimes confuse 家规 with 法律 (fǎlǜ) or 规则 (guīzé). While 家规 are rules, they are private and domestic. '规则' is a general term for rules (like in a game), and '法律' is state law. Calling a household rule a '法律' is technically incorrect and sounds overly dramatic unless used as a joke.

Mistake 2: Over-formalization: Using 家规 for very trivial things like 'how to brush teeth' might sound too formal. For small, temporary requests, '要求' (yāoqiú) or '习惯' (xíguàn - habit) is better.

注意：家规通常指长期、固定的规则。(Note: 家规 usually refers to long-term, fixed rules.)

Finally, be careful with the measure word. While you can use '条' (tiáo) for individual rules (e.g., 一条家规), the entire set of rules is usually just referred to as '家规.' Saying '一个家规' (yī gè jiāguī) is common but less precise than '一条' when talking about a specific item in the list of rules.

Confusion with '家训': 家训 (jiāxùn) is more literary and historical. Using it for your modern house rules about washing dishes might sound slightly pretentious.

不要混淆：家规是当下的规则，家训是传世的教诲。(Don't confuse them: 家规 are current rules, 家训 are ancestral teachings.)

To truly master 家规 (jiāguī), it is helpful to compare it with other words that occupy the same semantic space of 'rules' and 'family.' Understanding these nuances will allow you to choose the most precise word for any given situation.

家规 vs. 家教 (jiājiào): 家规: Specific rules and prohibitions (The 'what').
家教: Family upbringing, manners, and education (The 'how' and the result). If a kid is rude, people say '没家教' (no family education), not '没家规.'
家规 vs. 家训 (jiāxùn): 家规: Contemporary and practical (e.g., 'Clean your room').
家训: Historical, philosophical, and ancestral (e.g., 'Always be honest to serve the country'). 家训 is often found in old family books.

例句：虽然我家没有书面的家规，但父母的家教很严。(Example: Although my family doesn't have written family rules, my parents' upbringing is very strict.)

Another set of alternatives involves the word 规则 (guīzé) and 规定 (guīdìng). 规则 is the most general word for 'rules' and is used for games, sports, and logic. 规定 is more like 'regulations' or 'stipulations' and is often used by institutions or the government. If you use '规定' at home, it sounds very bureaucratic, as if your parents are government officials.

家规 vs. 门风 (ménfēng): 门风: Literally 'gate wind,' it refers to the reputation or 'vibe' of a family. Good 家规 lead to a good 门风. 门风 is what the neighbors see; 家规 is what happens inside the house.

一个家族的门风往往是由家规决定的。(A family's reputation is often determined by its family rules.)

In informal settings, people might just use 规矩 (guīju). While 家规 is a noun for the rules themselves, '懂规矩' (dǒng guīju) means to know how to behave properly or to know the 'unwritten rules' of social interaction. '规矩' is much more common in spoken Chinese than '家规' when talking about general behavior. For example, '这孩子真没规矩' (This kid has no manners/doesn't know the rules).

Summary Table: - 家规: Formal/Specific Household Rules
- 家教: Upbringing/Manners
- 规矩: Manners/Unwritten social rules
- 家训: Ancestral/Historical teachings

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, some '家规' were so detailed they included the specific number of times one should chew their food or the exact angle to bow to a guest.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒjɑː ɡweɪ/

US /dʒiɑ ɡweɪ/

Both syllables receive equal stress as they are both first-tone characters.

Rhymes With

花 (huā) 家 (jiā) 飞 (fēi) 追 (zhuī) 推 (tuī) 亏 (kuī) 灰 (huī) 杯 (bēi)

Common Errors

Using the third tone for 'jiā' (jiǎ), which changes the meaning.
Pronouncing 'guī' as 'goo-ee' with two distinct syllables; it should be one smooth sound.
Dropping the tone at the end of 'guī'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The characters are relatively simple and commonly seen in A2/B1 texts.

Writing 3/5

Writing '规' requires attention to the stroke order of the '见' radical.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the first tone.

Listening 2/5

Distinct sound, rarely confused with other common A2 words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

家规则听话爸爸妈妈

Learn Next

家教家风纪律法律制定

Advanced

家训宗族伦理克己奉公

Grammar to Know

Using '是' to define a noun.

家规是早起。

The measure word '条' for rules.

三条家规。

Relative clauses with '的'.

爸爸定的家规。

Negative '不许' or '禁止' in rules.

家规规定不许撒谎。

Using '因为...所以...' to explain the result of a rule.

因为有家规，所以我很自律。

Examples by Level

我们家的家规很少。

Our family has very few rules.

Subject (我们家) + possessive (的) + Noun (家规) + Adjective (很少).

这是我家的家规。

This is my family rule.

Pronoun (这) + Verb (是) + Noun phrase (我家的家规).

家规一：早点睡觉。

Rule one: Go to sleep early.

Noun (家规) + Number (一) + Rule content.

你不可以违反家规。

You cannot break the family rules.

Negative modal (不可以) + Verb (违反) + Noun (家规).

老师问我的家规是什么。

The teacher asked what my family rules are.

Indirect question structure.

好孩子遵守家规。

Good children follow family rules.

Subject + Verb (遵守) + Object (家规).

你家有家规吗？

Does your family have rules?

Basic 'Yes/No' question with '吗'.

我的家规是多吃蔬菜。

My family rule is to eat more vegetables.

Defining the rule using '是'.

我爸爸制定的家规非常严厉。

The family rules my father made are very strict.

Relative clause (我爸爸制定的) modifying '家规'.

我们要一起商量新的家规。

We need to discuss new family rules together.

Verb '商量' (discuss) used with '家规'.

违反家规的人要洗碗。

The person who breaks the family rules has to wash the dishes.

Agentive clause (违反家规的人) as subject.

这些家规对我有好处。

These family rules are good for me.

Structure '对...有好处' (be good for...).

在这个家，家规就是一切。

In this house, family rules are everything.

Emphasis using '就是一切'.

他因为违反家规被罚站了。

He was made to stand as punishment for breaking family rules.

Passive structure '因为...被...'.

虽然家规很严，但我很爱我的家。

Although the rules are strict, I love my home.

Conjunction '虽然...但是...'.

每条家规都有它的道理。

Every family rule has its reason.

Measure word '条' for rules.

适当的家规可以培养孩子的自律性。

Appropriate family rules can cultivate a child's self-discipline.

Adjective '适当的' (appropriate) and verb '培养' (cultivate).

他从小就生活在充满家规的环境中。

He has lived in an environment full of family rules since childhood.

Structure '生活在...的环境中'.

随着孩子长大，有些家规需要调整。

As children grow up, some family rules need to be adjusted.

Conjunction '随着' (along with/as).

家规不应该是束缚，而应该是引导。

Family rules should not be a constraint, but a guide.

Structure '不应该是...而应该是...'.

他们家有一条家规：永远不说谎。

Their family has a rule: never tell lies.

Appositive structure defining the specific rule.

建立家规是为了让家庭生活更有序。

Establishing family rules is to make family life more orderly.

Structure '是为了...' (is for the purpose of...).

即使是成年了，他依然遵守家规。

Even though he is an adult, he still follows the family rules.

Conjunction '即使...依然...'.

我们要反思这些陈旧的家规是否合理。

We need to reflect on whether these outdated family rules are reasonable.

Verb '反思' (reflect) and adjective '陈旧' (outdated).

家规往往反映了一个家庭的核心价值观。

Family rules often reflect the core values of a family.

Verb '反映' (reflect) and noun '价值观' (values).

在现代社会，家规的形式变得更加民主。

In modern society, the form of family rules has become more democratic.

Noun '形式' (form) and adjective '民主' (democratic).

他因为无法忍受窒息的家规而离家出走。

He ran away from home because he couldn't stand the suffocating family rules.

Structure '因为无法忍受...而...'.

家规的执行需要父母以身作则。

The execution of family rules requires parents to lead by example.

Noun '执行' (execution) and idiom '以身作则'.

这种家规在某种程度上限制了孩子的创造力。

This kind of family rule limits children's creativity to some extent.

Structure '在某种程度上' (to some extent).

很多家规在潜移默化中影响了孩子的人格。

Many family rules influence a child's personality through imperceptible influence.

Idiom '潜移默化' (subtle influence).

我们应该将优秀的家规传承给下一代。

We should pass down excellent family rules to the next generation.

Structure '将...传承给...'.

家庭会议是讨论和修订家规的好机会。

Family meetings are a good opportunity to discuss and revise family rules.

Nouns '讨论' (discussion) and '修订' (revision).

中国古代的家规往往具有法律的约束力。

Ancient Chinese family rules often had the binding force of law.

Noun phrase '约束力' (binding force).

家规不仅仅是行为准则，更是文化认同的象征。

Family rules are not just codes of conduct, but symbols of cultural identity.

Structure '不仅仅是...更是...'.

在宗族社会中，违反家规可能导致被逐出家门。

In a clan society, violating family rules could lead to being expelled from the family.

Term '宗族社会' (clan society) and '逐出家门' (expelled).

现代法治社会对传统的家规提出了新的挑战。

Modern rule-of-law society poses new challenges to traditional family rules.

Noun '法治社会' (rule-of-law society).

学者们正在研究家规在维护社会稳定中的作用。

Scholars are studying the role of family rules in maintaining social stability.

Present continuous with '正在' and '作用' (role/effect).

这些家规蕴含着深厚的儒家伦理思想。

These family rules contain profound Confucian ethical thoughts.

Verb '蕴含' (contain/embody) and '伦理' (ethics).

家规的演变见证了中国家庭结构的巨大变迁。

The evolution of family rules witnessed the huge changes in Chinese family structure.

Verb '见证' (witness) and '变迁' (changes/transition).

他撰写了一部关于明清家规的学术著作。

He authored an academic work on family rules during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Verb '撰写' (author/write) and '著作' (work/book).

家规作为私人领域的契约，其合法性在当代备受争议。

As a contract in the private sphere, the legitimacy of family rules is highly controversial today.

Noun '契约' (contract) and '合法性' (legitimacy).

在某些偏远地区，家规依然凌驾于世俗法律之上。

In some remote areas, family rules still override secular law.

Verb '凌驾' (override/place above).

家规的解构与重组反映了全球化背景下的文化焦虑。

The deconstruction and reconstruction of family rules reflect cultural anxiety in the context of globalization.

Nouns '解构' (deconstruction) and '重组' (reconstruction).

儒家“齐家”思想将家规提升到了政治哲学的高度。

The Confucian idea of 'regulating the family' elevated family rules to the level of political philosophy.

Structure '将...提升到...的高度'.

家规中的性别歧视条款在现代文明中已无立足之地。

Gender discriminatory clauses in family rules have no place in modern civilization.

Idiom '无立足之地' (no place to stand/unacceptable).

通过研究家规，我们可以窥探古代社会的微观权力运作。

By studying family rules, we can catch a glimpse of the micro-operations of power in ancient society.

Verb '窥探' (peep/glimpse) and '微观权力' (micro-power).

当代的家规已逐渐从强制性约束转向协商性共识。

Contemporary family rules have gradually shifted from mandatory constraints to negotiated consensus.

Structure '从...转向...'.

家规的缺失往往被视为社会道德滑坡的微观表征。

The lack of family rules is often seen as a micro-manifestation of social moral decline.

Nouns '缺失' (lack) and '表征' (manifestation).

Common Collocations

制定家规

遵守家规

违反家规

家规森严

家规简单

废除家规

书面家规

严厉的家规

合理的家规

立下家规

Common Phrases

无规矩不成方圆

— Literally 'without a compass and square, one cannot form circles and squares.' It means that without rules, nothing can be accomplished.

俗话说‘无规矩不成方圆’，所以家规是必要的。

国有国法，家有家规

— The state has its laws, and the family has its rules. It emphasizes that rules are universal at every level.

国有国法，家有家规，你不能随心所欲。

严以律己

— To be strict with oneself. Often the goal of following '家规'.

遵守家规是为了让你学会严以律己。

子不教，父之过

— If a child is not taught (rules), it is the father's fault. Related to the necessity of '家规'.

家规的建立体现了‘子不教，父之过’的道理。

书香门第

— A scholarly family, often associated with having refined and strict '家规'.

他出生于书香门第，家规自然很严。

克勤克俭

— To be industrious and frugal. A very common theme in traditional '家规'.

我们家的家规只有四个字：克勤克俭。

长幼有序

— Order between seniors and juniors. A core principle of traditional '家规'.

家规强调长幼有序，要尊重长辈。

勤俭持家

— To manage a household with industry and thrift.

勤俭持家是很多中国家庭的家规。

礼仪之邦

— A nation of etiquette. '家规' are the building blocks of this reputation.

中国是礼仪之邦，家规在其中起到了重要作用。

家丑不可外扬

— Family scandals should not be aired in public. Often a specific '家规' in traditional homes.

他违反了‘家丑不可外扬’的家规，告诉了外人。

Often Confused With

家规 vs 家教 (jiājiào)

家教 refers to upbringing/manners; 家规 refers to the rules themselves.

家规 vs 规则 (guīzé)

规则 is general (games/sports); 家规 is specific to the home.

家规 vs 法律 (fǎlǜ)

法律 is state law; 家规 is private domestic rule.

Idioms & Expressions

"规行矩步"

— To follow the rules strictly; to be well-behaved and upright.

他在家规的熏陶下，为人处世向来规行矩步。

Formal

"墨守成规"

— To stick to old rules blindly without changing. Negative connotation.

家规也需要进步，不能总是墨守成规。

Neutral/Negative

"循规蹈矩"

— To follow the rules and act in a proper way. Can be positive or slightly boring.

他从小就是一个循规蹈矩的孩子，从不违反家规。

Neutral

"门庭赫奕"

— A family that is illustrious and influential, often due to strict '家规'.

该家族门庭赫奕，与其严明的家规分不开。

Literary

"金科玉律"

— Golden rules and precious laws; invaluable rules that must be followed.

对他来说，父亲的话就是家里的金科玉律。

Formal

"言传身教"

— To teach by words and influence by example. The best way to implement '家规'.

父母的言传身教比死板的家规更有效。

Neutral

"家给人足"

— Every family is well-provided for. The ultimate goal of good family management.

良好的家规能让家族兴旺，达到家给人足的境地。

Literary

"秩序井然"

— In perfect order. Describes a home with effective '家规'.

有了家规，这个大家庭的生活变得秩序井然。

Neutral

"不学无术"

— To have no learning and no skills. Often what '家规' aim to prevent.

严厉的家规是为了防止后代变得不学无术。

Negative

"光宗耀祖"

— To bring honor to one's ancestors. A common goal stipulated in '家规'.

他努力奋斗，就是为了遵守‘光宗耀祖’的家规。

Formal

Easily Confused

家规 vs 家教

Both involve family and behavior.

家教 is the quality of education received; 家规 is the set of rules given.

他很有家教，因为他一直遵守家规。

家规 vs 家训

Both mean family instructions.

家训 is historical/ancestral; 家规 is contemporary/practical.

家训传了几百年，而家规是去年定的。

家规 vs 规定

Both mean rules.

规定 is institutional/official; 家规 is personal/familial.

公司的规定和家里的家规不一样。

家规 vs 纪律

Both involve discipline.

纪律 is usually for a group (school/army); 家规 is for a family.

学校有纪律，家里有家规。

家规 vs 习惯

Rules often become habits.

习惯 is automatic behavior; 家规 is an imposed rule.

遵守家规久了，就成了习惯。

Sentence Patterns

我家有[Number]条家规。

我家有三条家规。

我家的家规是[Rule].

我家的家规是不能看电视。

为了[Goal], 父母制定了家规。

为了让我好好学习，父母制定了家规。

虽然家规[Adjective], 但它[Effect].

虽然家规很严，但它让我变得更好。

家规的核心在于[Concept].

家规的核心在于培养责任感。

家规的缺失折射出[Social Issue].

家规的缺失折射出家庭教育的缺位。

这是[Person]的家规。

这是爷爷的家规。

遵守家规是[Person]的责任。

遵守家规是每个孩子的责任。

Word Family

Nouns

家 (jiā - family)

规则 (guīzé - rule)

规定 (guīdìng - regulation)

家长 (jiāzhǎng - parent/head of household)

Verbs

规劝 (guīquàn - to advise/admonish)

规划 (guīhuà - to plan)

规定 (guīdìng - to stipulate)

Adjectives

规范 (guīfàn - standard/regular)

规矩 (guīju - well-behaved)

家风

家训

家庭

纪律

习惯

How to Use It

frequency

Common in educational and family contexts.

Common Mistakes

Using '家规' as a verb. → 制定家规 (Establish family rules).
'家规' is only a noun. You cannot say 'I will 家规 you.'
Using '家规' for roommate rules. → 宿舍公约 (Dormitory agreement).
'家规' implies a family hierarchy, not a peer relationship.
Confusing '家规' with '家教'. → 他很有家教 (He has good upbringing).
'家教' is the result of education; '家规' are the rules themselves.
Using '个' as the measure word. → 一条家规 (One family rule).
'条' is the standard measure word for rules and laws in Chinese.
Saying '国家家规' for national laws. → 国家法律 (National laws).
'家规' is strictly for the home (家).

Tips

Pair with Verbs

Always remember the verbs: 制定 (make), 遵守 (follow), 违反 (break). These will make your sentences sound natural.

Cultural Weight

Don't treat '家规' lightly. In China, it's often a source of family pride and identity.

Measure Word

Use '条' (tiáo) to count rules. '三条家规' sounds much better than '三个家规'.

The First Tone

Keep 'jiā' and 'guī' high and level. If you drop the tone, it might sound like other words.

Character Detail

The character '规' has '见' on the right. Make sure you don't write it as '贝'.

Family Context

Use this word when talking about your childhood or parenting. It's perfect for icebreakers about family life.

Related Words

Learn '家教' and '家风' alongside '家规' to have a complete set of words for family culture.

Authoritative Tone

In movies, '家规' is usually spoken with authority. Listen for the surrounding 'must' (必须) or 'not allowed' (不许).

Rule vs. Law

Remember that '家规' is for the home. Use '法律' for the country and '规则' for games.

Home Compass

Think of the 'guī' as a compass that keeps the 'jiā' (home) on the right track.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **House** (家) with a **Compass** (规) hanging on the wall. The compass doesn't show North; it shows the 'Rules' everyone must follow.

Visual Association

Picture a scroll with the character '家' at the top and a long list of bullet points below it. This is the 'Family Rulebook.'

Word Web

家 (Home) 规 (Compass/Rule) 遵守 (Obey) 违反 (Violate) 严 (Strict) 宽 (Lenient) 家长 (Parents) 孩子 (Children)

Challenge

Try to list three '家规' from your own childhood in Chinese. Use the pattern: '我家的家规是...'.

Word Origin

The term '家规' has been used for centuries in China. '家' (jiā) depicts a pig under a roof, symbolizing a settled home. '规' (guī) consists of '矢' (arrow/measurement) and '见' (see), originally referring to a compass for drawing circles.

Original meaning: The original sense was the 'standard' or 'measure' used within a household.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful not to imply that all Chinese families have strict or 'oppressive' rules; modern Chinese families vary greatly.

In the West, we often say 'house rules,' but these are usually more practical (who does the dishes). Chinese '家规' often have a heavier moral and educational weight.

《颜氏家训》 (Yan's Family Instructions) - A classic text. 《朱子家训》 (Zhu's Family Motto) - Widely read in the Ming/Qing dynasties. The 'Tiger Mother' (Amy Chua) debate - Centered on strict '家规'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At Home

这是家规
遵守家规
违反家规
立个家规

Parent-Teacher Meeting

家校配合
制定家规
习惯养成
家庭教育

Historical Discussion

传统家规
祖宗家规
家法严厉
文化传承

With Friends

我家的家规
管得严
不能出门
太难了

Sociology Class

家庭结构
行为约束
社会化
道德标准

Conversation Starters

"你小时候家里有什么特别的家规吗？ (Did you have any special family rules when you were a child?)"

"你觉得家规对孩子的成长重要吗？ (Do you think family rules are important for a child's growth?)"

"如果你有孩子，你会制定什么样的家规？ (If you had children, what kind of family rules would you set?)"

"你认为现代家庭的家规应该更自由还是更严厉？ (Do you think modern family rules should be more free or more strict?)"

"你听说过中国古代那些有趣的家规吗？ (Have you heard of those interesting ancient Chinese family rules?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最喜欢的一条家规，以及它为什么对你有帮助。 (Write about your favorite family rule and why it is helpful to you.)

描述一个你违反家规的故事，以及后来发生了什么。 (Describe a story where you broke a family rule and what happened afterwards.)

你认为‘家规’和‘自由’之间应该如何平衡？ (How do you think 'family rules' and 'freedom' should be balanced?)

如果让你给一个新家庭制定五条家规，你会写什么？ (If you were to set five rules for a new family, what would you write?)

讨论一下互联网时代，家规发生了哪些变化。 (Discuss the changes in family rules in the internet age.)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not at all! While '家规' can be strict, many Chinese people view them as a sign of a loving, well-managed home. They are seen as essential for helping children succeed in life and develop a strong moral character. Good family rules provide a sense of security and clear expectations.

It's better to use '宿舍公约' (sùshè gōngyuē) or '室友协议' (shìyǒu xiéyì). '家规' specifically implies a family relationship and often a hierarchy (parents over children). Using it with friends might sound like you are acting as their parent, which could be taken as a joke or an insult.

In modern China, '家规' are private and not legally binding unless they involve illegal acts (like abuse). However, historically, clan rules were sometimes recognized by local officials. Today, they are moral and social 'contracts' within the family unit.

Common rules include: respect elders (must address them properly), no phones at the dinner table, finish all the rice in your bowl (don't waste food), and coming home before a certain time. Academic focus is also a huge part of many household rules.

You use the verb '违反' (wéifǎn). So, '违反家规' means 'to break/violate family rules.' In a more casual context, you might hear '不听话' (not listening/disobedient), but '违反' is the correct verb for the noun '家规'.

In Chinese, nouns don't change form for plural. '家规' can refer to the whole system of rules or a single rule. If you want to be specific, use the measure word '条' (tiáo), such as '这一条家规' (this one family rule).

Traditionally, the '家长' (jiāzhǎng) or head of the household (usually the father or grandfather) sets them. In modern, more democratic families, parents and children might discuss and set them together during a family meeting.

Think of '家规' as the laws and '家风' as the atmosphere or culture. '家规' are the specific 'do's and don'ts,' while '家风' is the overall spirit or style of the family (e.g., a 'studious' family style).

Yes, in many traditional Chinese families, even adult children living at home are expected to follow certain '家规,' such as informing parents before they go out or returning for family dinners.

Punishments vary. It could be a lecture, doing extra chores, losing privileges (like screen time), or in more traditional contexts, '罚站' (being made to stand still) or '罚跪' (being made to kneel, though this is rare now).