Common Meanings
1
niè臬
A target or bullseye, typically for archery, where arrows are aimed.
他瞄准了远处的箭臬，稳稳地拉弓射出
He aimed at the distant target, drew his bow steadily, and shot.
In ancient China, 'niè' referred to a gnomon or vertical pole used to measure the sun's shadow.
古人利用土圭上的立杆为臬，测量日影以定节气
Ancient people used the vertical pole on the 'tugui' as a gnomon to measure the sun's shadow and determine the solar terms.
A standard, model, or criterion, often used in the compound 'guī niè' (圭臬) to denote a benchmark or gold standard.
他的作品被奉为这一流派的圭臬。
His work is regarded as the benchmark for this genre.