原理 (yuán lǐ) — principle; theory

Definition

原理 is a technical/academic 'principle' — how a system works (科学原理, 基本原理). 原则 is more about rules or standards of conduct; 道理 is everyday reasoning or common sense.

noun
principletheory

Examples

  • 原理
    Zhè ge yuán lǐ hěn jiǎn dān.
    This principle is very simple.
  • 原理
    Tā zhèng zài xué xí zì rán yuán lǐ.
    He is learning the principles of nature.
  • 原理
    Wǒ men yào xiān liǎo jiě jī běn yuán lǐ.
    We need to first understand the basic principles.

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