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惯例 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
惯例guànlìconventionHSK 7, n, 19 strokes, rank #9321, Very Hard
惯例guànlìusual practiceHSK 7, n, 19 strokes, rank #9321, Very Hard
guànlì(guan4li4)guan li T4
  1. 1convention
  2. 2usual practice
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March 24, 2026

惯例(慣例)guànlì(guan4li4)

惯例 refers to established conventions or usual practices within a specific context. It is commonly used in formal settings, such as business or law, to denote accepted norms that guide behavior and procedures.

Strokes19Frequency#9321DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, following 惯例 is often seen as a sign of respect for tradition and social harmony. In business settings, adhering to conventions can foster trust and cooperation among parties.

Memory tip

Think of 惯 (guan) as 'grasping' something firmly, while 例 (li) resembles 'examples' or 'instances'. Together, you can visualize holding onto examples of traditions and practices that people follow in society.

Meanings of 惯例

guànlì(guan4li4)
1convention
2usual practice
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 惯例

惯例Simplified
慣例Traditional
19Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9321Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 惯例

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Podcast: 惯例

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AI study notes for 惯例

Quick Contrast

惯例 (guànlì) vs 习惯 (xíguàn): use 惯例 for formal conventions, while 习惯 refers to personal habits.

Usage Notes

Be cautious of using 惯例 in informal contexts, as it is more suitable for formal discussions. Common collocations include '按照惯例' (according to convention) and '打破惯例' (break convention). Remember that the fourth tone (li4) is crucial for correct pronunciation.

HSK Study Tips

At HSK Level 6, 惯例 connects with other terms related to customs and practices, such as 习惯 (habits) and 传统 (tradition). Focus on how this word is used in formal contexts to express adherence to norms.

Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse 惯例 with 习惯, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这是我的惯例' (This is my convention) instead of the correct '这是我的习惯' (This is my habit).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 惯例

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Component characters

惯guànaccustomed to
HSK 711 strokes忄
View full entry
例lìexample
8 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say convention in Chinese

“convention” in Chinese is惯例guànlì

惯例 refers to established conventions or usual practices within a specific context. It is commonly used in formal settings, such as business or law, to denote accepted norms that guide behavior and procedures.

When to use 惯例

Be cautious of using 惯例 in informal contexts, as it is more suitable for formal discussions. Common collocations include '按照惯例' (according to convention) and '打破惯例' (break convention). Remember that the fourth tone (li4) is crucial for correct pronunciation.

惯例 or something close to it

惯例 (guànlì) vs 习惯 (xíguàn): use 惯例 for formal conventions, while 习惯 refers to personal habits.

What learners get wrong

Learners might confuse 惯例 with 习惯, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '这是我的惯例' (This is my convention) instead of the correct '这是我的习惯' (This is my habit).

Write 惯例

惯
例

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

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Grammar patterns of 惯例

惯例 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 2 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 1

Fill the gap

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

给服务员、行李搬运工、导游和司机小费是____。

It is usual to tip waiters, porters, guides and drivers.

Example sentences for 惯例 (1)

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1
给服务员、行李搬运工、导游和司机小费是惯例。

gěi fúwùyuán、 xíngli bānyùn gōng、 dǎoyóu hé sījī xiǎofèi shì guànlì。

It is usual to tip waiters, porters, guides and drivers.

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Frequently asked questions about 惯例

You can say '在这个行业, 按照惯例, 我们每年都会举行一次会议.' (In this industry, according to convention, we hold a meeting every year.)

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