Meanings of 则
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Podcast: 则
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AI Study Notes for 则
Be careful not to confuse 则 with 但 (dàn), which also means 'but' but is used in more informal contexts. 则 tends to be used in formal writing or structured arguments, often appearing in legal or academic texts. Common collocations include '法律则' (legal norms) or '则是' (is then).
As an HSK 5 word, 则 connects with other words related to rules and norms, such as 规则 (guīzé - rule) and 法则 (fǎzé - law). Focus on its use in formal contexts and practice constructing sentences that illustrate contrast using 则.
Learners often confuse 则 with 作为 (zuòwéi), thinking they can use them interchangeably to mean 'to be.' For example, saying '他作为一个好学生则很努力' (Tā zuòwéi yīgè hǎo xuéshēng zé hěn nǔlì) is incorrect; it should be '他作为一个好学生很努力' without 则.
Pronunciation of 则
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Jason Explains 则 to You
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Etymology of 则
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 贝
Origin
What kind of character is 则?
Decomposition of 则
Parts
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How to say conjunction used to express contrast with a previous sentence or clause in Chinese
“conjunction used to express contrast with a previous sentence or clause” in Chinese is则
则 (zé) is a conjunction used to express contrast, similar to 'but' or 'then' in English. It can also refer to norms, standards, or principles, and is used as a classifier for written items like official statements. In contexts of rules or regulations, 则 indicates a standard or guideline that one should follow.
When to use 则
Be careful not to confuse 则 with 但 (dàn), which also means 'but' but is used in more informal contexts. 则 tends to be used in formal writing or structured arguments, often appearing in legal or academic texts. Common collocations include '法律则' (legal norms) or '则是' (is then).
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 则 with 作为 (zuòwéi), thinking they can use them interchangeably to mean 'to be.' For example, saying '他作为一个好学生则很努力' (Tā zuòwéi yīgè hǎo xuéshēng zé hěn nǔlì) is incorrect; it should be '他作为一个好学生很努力' without 则.
Write 则
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Practice writing 则 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 则
则 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 12 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The patterns below break down its most common sentence frames, with example sentences and practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) for each one.
Used to express a conditional or contrasting relationship.
他如果喜欢，我则支持。
If he likes it, then I will support it.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我要认真复习，否____考试会不及格的。
I need to review seriously; otherwise, I'll fail the exam.
Usage Notes for 则
则 is often used to create contrasts between two clauses, emphasizing the relationship.
如果你去，我则不去。
If you go, then I will not go.
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
如果你去，我____不去。
If you go, then I will not go.
Example Sentences for 则 (10)
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Cultural Notes for 则
In Chinese literature, the character 则 has been used extensively to express moral principles and standards. It emphasizes the importance of following norms or imitating good examples, which is a significant aspect of Confucian teachings.
Word Family of 则
Characters with 则
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Frequently Asked Questions about 则
Examples of 则 (zé) in sentences include: '你喜欢吃水果，则我给你带些苹果' (You like to eat fruit, so I'll bring you some apples) and '如果你不努力，则你不会成功' (If you don't work hard, then you won't succeed). These illustrate its use in contrasting and conditional statements.
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