Definition
则 (zé) is a formal, literary conjunction meaning 'but' or 'then', used to connect clauses with contrast or consequence — it is more classical in tone than 而 (ér), which is neutral and can also mean 'and'. As a bound form, it means 'standard, norm' (e.g., 准则), distinct from the everyday noun 标准 (biāo zhǔn).
conjunction
butthen (indicating contrast or consequence)(bound form) standardnormprinciple
classifier
for written items (news, articles, rules, etc.)
Easily confused
- 刷shuālook-alike(verb) to brush; to scrub
- 赛sàilook-aliketo compete
- 侧cèlook-alike(noun) side, lateral part
- 赏shǎnglook-aliketo reward, to bestow (a gift or money from a superior to an inferior)
- 贵guìlook-alikeexpensive
- 测cèlook-aliketo measure; to survey
Examples
- ，则。Tā xǐhuān yùndòng, wǒ zé xǐhuān dúshū.He likes sports, whereas I like reading.
- ，。Yǐ chéngxìn wéi yuánzé, cáinéng lìzú.Take integrity as the principle, then you can stand firm.
- 。Jīntiān wǒ kàndào yì zé yǒuqù de xīnwén.Today I saw an interesting piece of news.
Grammar
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