规则
guīzé
The English phrase "rules" is translated into Chinese as 规则 (guīzé).
规则 is used to refer to general rules or principles. When you want to say you are abiding by or obeying these rules, the standard collocation is to use the verb 遵守 (zūnshǒu) with 规则.
What does it mean word for word?
The first character of 规则, 规, refers to a compass or a standard pattern.
Which one should you use?
While 规则 refers to general rules or principles, the term 规定 (guīdìng) is often used to refer to specific regulations or requirements set by an authority or an organization.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, the term 規章制度 (guīzhāng zhìdù) is frequently used to refer to rules.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the concept of obeying the rules in an informal way, you can use the phrase 守规矩 (shǒu guīju).
How do you pronounce it?
guīzé
Did you know?
- While 规则 is the general word for 'rules', the phrase 守规矩 (shǒu guīju) literally means 'guarding the square'. In ancient China, a 'square' was a tool used to ensure walls were straight and true.
- In Chinese culture, the concept of 'rules' is often tied to the idea of 'etiquette' or 'ritual' (礼), meaning that breaking a rule is frequently seen as a lack of manners or respect rather than just a legal violation.
- The word 遵守 (zūnshǒu), used to describe obeying rules, contains a character 遵 that originally referred to following a path or a trail.
Examples in context
- 这违反规则。That's against the rules.This sentence is useful for saying something is against the rules using 规则.Tatoeba #7767601 by jiangche, translation #3594013 by CK
- 汤姆本应该遵守规则。Tom should've obeyed the rules.This sentence is useful for saying someone should have obeyed the rules using 规则.Tatoeba #13107404 by maina, translation #12980536 by CK
- 规则要少，并且最重要的是要简单。The rules must be few, and what is more important, simple.This sentence is useful for describing the qualities of rules using 规则.Tatoeba #7771972 by jiangche, translation #20221 by shekitten
- 遵守公司的规则是很重要的。It is important to follow the rules of the company.
- 这项研究揭示了自然界的法则。This study reveals the laws of nature.
- 在这里，我们必须遵守一些基本的规矩。Here, we must follow some basic rules.
- 这些习惯已经约定俗成了。These habits have become customary.
- 请遵守公司的規章制度。Please abide by the company's rules and regulations.
- 遵守交通规则是每个公民的责任。Adhering to traffic rules is every citizen's responsibility.
- 我们必须遵守学校的规章制度。We must comply with the school's rules and regulations.
- 在这里，守规矩是我们最重要的原则之一。Here, obeying the rules is one of our most important principles.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two coworkers are discussing a new office policy.
- 佳怡 Jiayi这里的规则变了吗？Zhèlǐ de guīzé biàn le ma?Have the rules here changed?
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，新的规则很严格。Shì de, xīn de guīzé hěn yángé.Yes, the new rules are very strict.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我得重新学习一下。Wǒ děi chóngxīn xuéxí yīxià.I need to relearn them.
- 志强 Zhiqiang没问题，我会帮你。Méi wèntí, wǒ huì bāng nǐ.No problem, I will help you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
