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March 24, 2026
遵zūn(zun1)
The character 遵 (zūn) means to observe, obey, or comply with rules, laws, or customs. It is commonly used in contexts where adherence to authority or tradition is emphasized, such as in legal or formal situations. The nuance often conveys a sense of respect or honor toward the regulations being followed.
Strokes15Radical辶Frequency#25506DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 遵 is deeply rooted in Confucian ideals, where respect for authority and adherence to social norms are highly valued. This character reflects the importance of maintaining harmony within society by following established rules.
Memory Tip
Imagine a wise elder (the shape of the character) who guides you to '遵' (zūn) the path of tradition. The character includes the radical for 'walk' (走) and suggests moving along a respected path. Visualize walking on a well-trodden road, symbolizing the act of following rules.
Meanings of 遵
zūn(zun1)
1to observe
2to obey
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 遵
遵Simplified
15Strokes
辶Radical
人名míngcíproper noun (pr.n.)Part of Speech
#25506Frequency Rank
Podcast: 遵
Podcast: 遵
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AI Study Notes for 遵
Quick Contrast
遵 (zūn) vs 服 (fú) — choose 遵 when emphasizing respect for rules or customs, while 服 focuses more on submission or compliance without the same connotation of honor.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a wise elder (the shape of the character) who guides you to '遵' (zūn) the path of tradition. The character includes the radical for 'walk' (走) and suggests moving along a respected path. Visualize walking on a well-trodden road, symbolizing the act of following rules.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 遵 in overly casual contexts, as it is more formal. It frequently collocates with words like '守' (shǒu, to guard) and '法' (fǎ, law), forming phrases like '遵守法律' (to obey the law). Be cautious with tones; the correct pronunciation is with a high flat tone (zūn).
HSK Study Tips
While 遵 is not in the official HSK list, it connects to higher-level vocabulary related to obedience and compliance. Students should focus on context and collocations to understand its proper use, as it often appears in legal or formal discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 遵 is deeply rooted in Confucian ideals, where respect for authority and adherence to social norms are highly valued. This character reflects the importance of maintaining harmony within society by following established rules.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 遵 with '服' (fú), which also means to obey but is less formal. A wrong example would be '我遵他的建议' (I obey his suggestion), which is better expressed as '我服他的建议'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 遵
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Grammar Patterns of 遵
遵 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 5 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
We shall be able to tell whether you've kept your side of the bargain.
Cultural Notes for 遵
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 遵 is deeply rooted in Confucian ideals, where respect for authority and adherence to social norms are highly valued. This character reflects the importance of maintaining harmony within society by following established rules.
Word Family of 遵
Words Containing This Character19
遵守zūnshǒuto comply with
遵循zūnxúnto follow
遵命to do as you bid
遵照zūnzhàoin accordance with
遵从to comply with遵從
遵zūnto obey
遵义Zun'yi prefecture level city in Guizhou 貴州|贵州[Guìzhōu]遵義
遵义市Zun'yi prefecture level city in Guizhou 貴州|贵州[Guìzhōu]遵義市
遵义会议Zunyi conference of January 1935 before the Long March遵義會議
遵义县Zun'yi county in Zun'yi 遵義|遵义[Zūnyì], Guizhou遵義縣
遵行to follow
遵义地区Zun'yi prefecture in Guizhou遵義地區
遵化Zunhua county level city in Tangshan 唐山[Tángshān], Hebei
黄遵宪Huang Zunxian (1848-1905), Qing dynasty poet and diplomat, author of A Record of Japan 日本國誌|日本国志[RìběnGuózhì], an extended analysis of Meiji Japan黃遵憲
遵奉to conform
遵化市Zunhua county level city in Tangshan 唐山[Tángshān], Hebei
遵化县Zunhua county level city遵化縣
遵办to handle in accordance with (the rules)遵辦
恪遵to scrupulously observe (rules, traditions etc)
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 遵守 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 遵
No, 遵 is more formal and is typically used in legal, official, or respectful contexts.
It is better reserved for formal situations; for personal rules, '守' (shǒu) is often more appropriate.
Common phrases include '遵守法律' (to obey the law) and '遵循原则' (to follow principles).
