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准则 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
准则zhǔnzénormHSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #7143, Very Hard
准则zhǔnzéstandardHSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #7143, Very Hard
准则zhǔnzécriterionHSK 7, n, 16 strokes, rank #7143, Very Hard
zhǔnzé(zhun3ze2)zhun ze T3
  1. 1norm
  2. 2standard
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March 24, 2026

准则(準則)zhǔnzé(zhun3ze2)

准则 (zhǔnzé) refers to a norm, standard, or criterion that serves as a guideline in various contexts, such as ethics, regulations, or procedures. It is commonly used in formal settings such as academic writing, legal documents, or organizational policies to define acceptable practices or behaviors.

Strokes16Frequency#7143DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In Chinese society, the concept of standards and norms is deeply ingrained in both Confucian values and modern governance, influencing everything from education to business practices. 准则 reflects the importance placed on adhering to established guidelines for maintaining social order.

Memory Tip

Imagine a '准' (zhǔ), or a 'judge', holding a '则' (zé), which looks like a scale, weighing the right and wrong according to set standards. Visualize the judge using these criteria to uphold fairness and justice, linking the character to its meaning of norms and standards.

Meanings of 准则

zhǔnzé(zhun3ze2)
1norm
2standard
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 准则

准则Simplified
準則Traditional
16Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#7143Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 准则

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Podcast: 准则

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AI Study Notes for 准则

Quick Contrast

规范 (guīfàn) — use 准则 when referring specifically to a guideline or principle, whereas 规范 emphasizes conformity to a standard or regulation.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 准则 with similar terms like 规则 (guīzé), which means 'rules' rather than 'standards'. 准则 is more formal and typically used in written contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing it: zhun3 ze2.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, 准则 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to regulation and standards, such as 规范 (guīfàn) and 标准 (biāozhǔn). Focus on understanding its application in formal texts and discussions, as well as its nuances compared to similar terms.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 准则 with 规范 (guīfàn) or 规则 (guīzé). For example, saying '我们需要一个规范' (wǒmen xūyào yīgè guīfàn) when meaning 'we need a standard' would be incorrect; it should be '我们需要一个准则'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 准则

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Component Characters

准zhǔnto allow
HSK 410 strokes冫
View full entry
则zéconjunction used to express contrast with a previous sentence or clause
HSK 66 strokes刂
View full entry

How to say norm in Chinese

“norm” in Chinese is准则zhǔnzé

准则 (zhǔnzé) refers to a norm, standard, or criterion that serves as a guideline in various contexts, such as ethics, regulations, or procedures. It is commonly used in formal settings such as academic writing, legal documents, or organizational policies to define acceptable practices or behaviors.

When to use 准则

Be cautious not to confuse 准则 with similar terms like 规则 (guīzé), which means 'rules' rather than 'standards'. 准则 is more formal and typically used in written contexts, so it may not be suitable for casual conversation. Remember to use the correct tone when pronouncing it: zhun3 ze2.

准则 or something close to it

规范 (guīfàn) — use 准则 when referring specifically to a guideline or principle, whereas 规范 emphasizes conformity to a standard or regulation.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 准则 with 规范 (guīfàn) or 规则 (guīzé). For example, saying '我们需要一个规范' (wǒmen xūyào yīgè guīfàn) when meaning 'we need a standard' would be incorrect; it should be '我们需要一个准则'.

Write 准则

准
则

Practice writing 准则 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 准则

准则 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 3 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.

该报违反了保护隐私的行为____。

The newspaper breached the code of conduct on privacy.

Example Sentences for 准则 (3)

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1
该报违反了保护隐私的行为准则。

gāi bào wéi fǎn le bǎo hù yǐn sī de háng wéi zhǔn zé。

The newspaper breached the code of conduct on privacy.
2
倾听顾客意见现在已成了公共事业机构每一届新管理层都会奉行的准则之一。

qīng tīng gù kè yì jiàn xiàn zài yǐ chéng le gōng gòng shì yè jī gòu měi yī jiè xīn guǎn lǐ céng dū huì fèng háng de zhǔn zé zhī yī。

Listening to customers is now part of the mantra of new management in public services.
3
我们必须保持军队的准则, 应当随时注意,切勿随时变动.

wǒ mén bì xū bǎo chí jūn duì de zhǔn zé, , yīng dāng suí shí zhù, yì , qiē wù suí shí.

We must maintain a military standard, an alertness, and never vary it.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 准则

No, 准则 is more commonly found in formal settings such as academic or legal discussions.

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