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按照 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
按照ànzhàoaccording toHSK 4, p, 22 strokes, rank #2084, Medium
按照ànzhàoin accordance withHSK 4, p, 22 strokes, rank #2084, Medium
按照ànzhàoin the light ofHSK 4, p, 22 strokes, rank #2084, Medium
按照ànzhàoon the basis ofHSK 4, p, 22 strokes, rank #2084, Medium
ànzhào(an4zhao4)an zhao T4
  1. 1according to
  2. 2in accordance with
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March 24, 2026

按照ànzhào(an4zhao4)

The term '按照' means 'according to' or 'in accordance with' and is commonly used to reference a basis for action or belief, such as instructions, regulations, or principles. It is frequently employed in both formal and informal contexts to express adherence to rules or guidelines.

Strokes22Frequency#2084DifficultyMedium
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, following rules and guidelines is highly valued, reflecting the importance placed on harmony and structure in society. The use of '按照' in formal settings, such as business meetings or legal documents, underscores the Chinese emphasis on order and protocol.

Memory tip

Imagine a person following a strict 'plan' (the character '按' resembles a hand pressing down on something) while '照' means to reflect or shine light on something, symbolizing how they base their actions on the outlined plan. This imagery helps remember that '按照' indicates following something carefully.

Meanings of 按照

ànzhào(an4zhao4)
1according to
2in accordance with
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 按照

按照Simplified
22Strokes
—Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#2084Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL3YCTL4HSKKL2CEFRA2

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AI study notes for 按照

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse '按照' with similar expressions like '根据' (gēnjù), which means 'based on' but is used differently. '按照' is slightly more formal and is often used in written instructions or official contexts. Remember to maintain the correct tones: 'an4 zhao4'.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 4 word, '按照' connects well with other terms related to following guidelines or rules, such as '根据' and '按照要求' (according to requirements). Focus on its use in sentences where you need to express compliance or adherence.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '按照' with '依照' (yīzhào), mistakenly believing they are entirely interchangeable. For example, using '依照' in a formal instruction context when '按照' is more appropriate can lead to misunderstandings; use '按照' for clarity in such contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 按照

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Component characters

按ànto press
HSK 49 strokes扌
View full entry
照zhàoto shine
HSK 313 strokes灬
View full entry

How to say according to in Chinese

“according to” in Chinese is按照ànzhào

The term '按照' means 'according to' or 'in accordance with' and is commonly used to reference a basis for action or belief, such as instructions, regulations, or principles. It is frequently employed in both formal and informal contexts to express adherence to rules or guidelines.

When to use 按照

Be careful not to confuse '按照' with similar expressions like '根据' (gēnjù), which means 'based on' but is used differently. '按照' is slightly more formal and is often used in written instructions or official contexts. Remember to maintain the correct tones: 'an4 zhao4'.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '按照' with '依照' (yīzhào), mistakenly believing they are entirely interchangeable. For example, using '依照' in a formal instruction context when '按照' is more appropriate can lead to misunderstandings; use '按照' for clarity in such contexts.

Write 按照

按
照

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Grammar patterns of 按照

按照 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 4 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.

Exercise 1 of 3

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

他们____地图找到了全部东西,顺利完成了任务。

They found everything according to the map and successfully completed the task.

Example sentences for 按照 (10)

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1
你也可以按照自己的要求定制家具。

nǐ yě kěyǐ ànzhào zìjǐ de yāoqiú dìngzhì jiājù。

Furniture can also be custom-made to suit your own requirements.
2
设备已经按照令状分配好了。

shèbèi yǐjīng ànzhào lìng zhuàng fēnpèi hǎo le。

Equipment is allocated by warrant.
3
我敢说他按照要求做了。

wǒ gǎn shuō tā ànzhào yāoqiú zuò le。

I dare say he did as he was bidden.
4
慢慢来,不要图省事,要严格按照说明去做。

mànmànlái, búyào tú shěngshì, yào yángé ànzhào shuōmíng qù zuò。

Take your time, don't cut corners and follow instructions to the letter.
5
(按照优先次序)写下你想具有的品质。

( ànzhào yōuxiān cìxù) xiě xià nǐ xiǎng jùyǒu de pǐnzhì。

Write down (in order of priority) the qualities you'd like to have.
6
现在按照体型由小到大的顺序画出或是临摹出10只恐龙。

xiànzài ànzhào tǐ xíng yóu xiǎo dào dà de shùnxù huà chū huòshì línmó chū10 zhī kǒnglóng。

Now draw or trace ten dinosaurs in ascending order of size.
7
她按照他的要求将浴室里的灯开着。

tā ànzhào tā de yāoqiú jiāng yùshì lǐ de dēng kāi zhe。

She left the light on in the bathroom at his request.
8
按照能力,一些学生被分到大学预科班,另一些则被分到职业培训班。

ànzhào nénglì, yìxiē xuéshēng bèi fēn dào dàxué yù kē bān, lìng yìxiē zé bèi fēn dào zhíyè péixùnbān。

Tracking assigns some students to college prep and others to vocational programs.
9
按照东条在受审时的作证, 天皇未发一言.

ànzhào dōng tiáo zài shòu shěn shí de zuō zhèng, tiān huáng wèi fā yī yán.

According to Tojo's testimony at his trial, the Emperor did not utter a word.
10
管道设备和电路按照高标准安装。

guǎndào shèbèi hé diàn lù ànzhào gāo biāozhǔn ānzhuāng。

Plumbing and electrics are installed to a high standard.

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Frequently asked questions about 按照

Yes, while '按照' is more common in formal contexts, it can also be used in informal conversations to express following someone's instructions.

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