sau2 kwai1 geoi2守規矩守规矩
Jyutpingsau2 kwai1 geoi2
Yalesáu kwāi géui
Definition
To abide by the rules, obey regulations, or behave oneself.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Focuses on the behavioral expectation of following established norms or social etiquette rather than just legal statutes. It is frequently used when correcting children or describing someone who is well behaved and reliable. The phrase carries a slightly moralistic tone, implying that one who does not follow rules is being disruptive or immature.
Examples
You need to follow the rules when you go into the library.
He usually follows the rules and won't mess around.
Related words
Common phrases
to break the rules
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 守法, which specifically refers to obeying the law. Using 守規矩 in a legal context sounds too informal or trivial, as it is better suited for social, school, or workplace conduct.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
