繩

Concrete usage refers to a rope, cord, or string used for utility (binding, hoisting, etc.). Technically, it denotes a measuring line used to establish physical standards, boundaries, or architectural dimensions. Abstractly, it extends to mean a rule, moral code, law, or any benchmark used as a standard of behavior, as well as the act of limitation, curbing, or restraint.

As a noun, it refers to a physical cord or a regulatory standard. As a verb, it can mean to bind/tie, to measure using a cord, or (abstractly) to regulate and restrain.

Contrast with 絲 (//sī//), which typically denotes a finer thread rather than a strong fibrous binding. Contrast with 索 (//suǒ//); while both can mean "rope," //suǒ// frequently leans toward searching, pulling, or demanding, whereas 繩 emphasizes the length of the line and the limit it imposes.

Fanqie reading: 食陵; Tang-period reading: jhiəng. Semantic variant U+42F2 and simplified variant U+7EF3 are orthographic variants and do not signal a change in meaning.

Contains the silk radical (糸), though it refers to any strong fibrous binding regardless of material.

In abstract contexts, evaluate whether the glyph functions as a tool of alignment (a guide or standard to follow) or a tool of control (a constriction or limit imposed).