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准则 (zhǔn zé) — norm; standard; criterion

Definition

准则 is a formal noun for 'norm' or 'criterion' — typically a codified set of rules (行为准则, 国际准则). It is more formal and rule-like than 标准, which is the everyday word for a standard.

noun
normstandardcriterion
Measure word · 条

Examples

  • 准则。
    Měi gè háng yè dōu yǒu zì jǐ de yí tào xíng wéi zhǔn zé.
    Every industry has its own set of behavioral norms.
  • 准则。
    Zhè xiàng jì shù de píng gū zhǔn zé fēi cháng yán gé.
    The evaluation criteria for this technology are very strict.
  • 准则。
    Zūn shǒu guó jì zhǔn zé shì měi gè chéng yuán guó de yì wù.
    Abiding by international standards is the duty of every member state.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéCoordinate

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

准zhǔnstandard
则zérule

Both 准 and 则 denote a standard or rule, so together they refer to an accepted norm or criterion.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 準; 准 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
水水shuǐwater
Sound part声符shēngfú
隼
隼sǔn準zhǔn
Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 準, not 准, pairs 水 (water) with 隼 as a sound part; the evidence describes it as 'water level'.

Open 准 →

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 則; 则 is its simplified writing.

  • 鼎鼎dǐngding, a bronze cauldron for cooking or sacrificial rituals
  • 刂刀dāoknife

The traditional form 則 pairs 鼎, a bronze cauldron, with 刂, a knife, possibly showing carving on a bronze vessel; the simplified 则 is a later shorthand.

Open 则 →
Appears in
HSK 3.0 Level 7-9HSK 2.0 Level 6Abstract Concepts

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