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不以规矩，不能成方圆
bùyǐguīju,bùnéngchéngfāngyuán
Traditional: 不以規矩，不能成方圓
without rules, nothing can be done (idiom, from Mencius); one must follow some rules
Character Breakdown
不
bù
no, not, un-; negative prefix
HSK 1
以
yǐ
according to; so as to; because of; then
HSK 2
规
guī
rules, regulations, customs, law
HSK 4
矩
jǔ
carpenter's square, ruler, rule
HSK 5
不
bù
no, not, un-; negative prefix
HSK 1
能
néng
can, may; capable, full of energy
HSK 1
成
chéng
to accomplish; to become; to complete, to finish; to succeed
HSK 3
方
fāng
square, rectangle; side; region; flag
HSK 3
圆
yuán
circle; circular, round; complete
HSK 5
Additional Information
Category
Chinese
HSK Character Level
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HSK Word Level
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