Definition
原理 (yuán lǐ) refers to a fundamental principle or theory, especially in science or philosophy—it explains how something works. It differs from 原则 (yuán zé), which is a rule or guideline for conduct, and from 道理 (dào lǐ), which is the reasoning or logic behind an argument.
noun
principletheory
Easily confused
- 远离yuǎn lísound-aliketo be far away from (physically)
Examples
- 原理。Zhège yuán lǐ hěn jiǎndān.This principle is very simple.
- 原理。Tā zhèngzài xuéxí zìrán yuán lǐ.He is learning the principles of nature.
- 原理。Wǒmen yào xiān liǎojiě jīběn yuán lǐ.We need to first understand the basic principles.
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