Meanings of 則
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About 則
Podcast: 則
Podcast: 則
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AI Study Notes for 則
When using 則, it's important to remember that it is often found in formal or written contexts, such as laws or academic standards. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters like 责 (zé, which means 'to blame'), so be cautious of context. It frequently collocates with terms like '法律' (fǎlǜ, law) or '规范' (guīfàn, standard).
While 則 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects to the themes of rules and standards found in HSK levels focusing on societal structures and education. Students should focus on recognizing its use in written texts and formal discussions.
Learners might confuse 則 with similar characters like 则 (zé) and 责 (zé). A common mistake is using 則 in informal speech, where simpler terms like '规则' (guīzé, rule) may be more appropriate.
Pronunciation of 則
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Etymology of 則
Simplified form of 則. Depicts carving inscriptions on bronzeware (鼎) with a knife (刂). Based on the original meaning "law". In ancient China, some legal writings were inscribed on bronzeware.
Laws inscribed 刂 on a slate 貝
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 則
Simplified form of 則. Depicts carving inscriptions on bronzeware (鼎) with a knife (刂). Based on the original meaning "law". In ancient China, some legal writings were inscribed on bronzeware.
- 1The giveawayLaws inscribed 刂 on a slate 貝
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 則? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
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Decomposition of 則
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How to say rule, law, regulation; grades in Chinese
“rule, law, regulation; grades” in Chinese is則
The character 則 (zé) primarily means 'rule' or 'law,' often used in formal contexts to denote regulations or standards. It can also refer to grades or criteria in specific contexts, particularly in education. The nuance of this character suggests a sense of order or a guiding principle.
When to use 則
When using 則, it's important to remember that it is often found in formal or written contexts, such as laws or academic standards. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters like 责 (zé, which means 'to blame'), so be cautious of context. It frequently collocates with terms like '法律' (fǎlǜ, law) or '规范' (guīfàn, standard).
What learners get wrong
Learners might confuse 則 with similar characters like 则 (zé) and 责 (zé). A common mistake is using 則 in informal speech, where simpler terms like '规则' (guīzé, rule) may be more appropriate.
Write 則
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Practice writing 則 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Cultural Notes for 則
In contrast to many Western cultures that often prioritize individual freedom, Chinese culture places a stronger emphasis on collective adherence to rules and regulations, as embodied by 則.
Word Family of 則
Compound Meaning
What does 则 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 則
An example sentence is: '法律則是社會的基礎' (The law is the foundation of society).
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