不以规矩，不能成方圆

Traditional form:

不以規矩，不能成方圓

Pinyin (reading):

bùyǐguīju,bùnéngchéngfāngyuán

Definitions:

• without rules, nothing can be done (idiom, from Mencius); one must follow some rules

Characters:

• 不 - no, not, un-; negative prefix
• 以 - according to; so as to; because of; then
• 规 - rules, regulations, customs, law
• 矩 - carpenter's square, ruler, rule
• 不 - no, not, un-; negative prefix
• 能 - can, may; capable, full of energy
• 成 - to accomplish; to become; to complete, to finish; to succeed
• 方 - square, rectangle; side; region; flag
• 圆 - circle; circular, round; complete

Traditional characters:

• 不 - no, not, un-; negative prefix
• 以 - according to; so as to; because of; then
• 規 - rules, regulations, customs, law
• 矩 - carpenter's square, ruler, rule
• 不 - no, not, un-; negative prefix
• 能 - can, may; capable, full of energy
• 成 - to accomplish; to become; to complete, to finish; to succeed
• 方 - square, rectangle; side; region; flag
• 圓 - circle; circular, round; complete