矩
ruler, carpenter's square
Readings
On'yomi
- ク
Kun'yomi
- かね
- かねざし
- さしがね
Nanori
- のり
- つね
- ただし
Meaning
矩 centers on a tool for measuring right angles and straight lines: a ruler or carpenter's square. The idea extends naturally to the standard or rule itself.
Most common words using 矩
- 矩形くけい
rectangle
- 矩かね
carpenter's square
- 矩く
quadrature
- 心の欲する所に従えども矩を踰えずこころのほっするところにしたがえどものりをこえず
following the desires of one's own heart without transgressing what is right
- 矩則くそく
standard; rule
- 矩差かねざし
carpenter's square
- 矩形波くけいは
square wave; rectangular wave
- 矩象くしょう
quadrature
- 規矩きく
standard; criterion; rule; norm
- 規矩準縄きくじゅんじょう
rules and standards; norms; criteria
Study
Etymology
矩 combines 矢 (arrow) and 巨 (large), but the historical origin is uncertain. The modern form may be a simplification or rebus, and the connection to a carpenter's square is not directly visible from the components.
Meaning mnemonic
An arrow 矢 is straight, and 巨 suggests something large or imposing. Picture a giant arrow used as a ruler to draw perfectly straight lines and right angles.
Reading mnemonic
For ク, imagine a cool carpenter using a square ruler: cool -> ク, and the tool helps him measure precisely.