Definition
循 is a bound morpheme (b.f.) in Literary Chinese that means 'to follow' or 'to abide by'. It rarely appears alone in modern Mandarin; you will encounter it in compound words such as 遵循 (to follow/obey), 循环 (to cycle), 循序渐进 (to proceed step by step), and 循规蹈矩 (to follow rules). Its tone is xún (2nd). Since the reverse-translation of 'follow' would likely produce 跟 or 随, be aware that 循 is more formal and used in written or abstract contexts.
b.f.
(bound form) to followto abide by (used in compounds)
Examples
- ，。Wǒmen yào zūnxún fǎlǜ, bù néng wéifǎ.We must follow the law; we cannot break it.
- 。Tā zuòshì zǒngshì xún guī dǎo jǔ.He always follows the rules.
- ，。Xuéxí yīnggāi xún xù jiànjìn, bù néng jíyú qiúchéng.Study should proceed step by step, not rush for quick results.
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