一律 (no exception)

• Pinyin: yīlǜ
• Formation: Subject + 一律 (+ 都) + Verb / Adj.
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = single horizontal stroke (one); 律 = 彳 (step) + 聿 (brush/pen), originally meaning regulation or standard

Meaning

The adverb 一律 means 'without exception' or 'uniformly' and is used to indicate that a rule, standard, or action applies equally to all members of a group. It emphasizes that no one and nothing is exempt from the stated condition.

The word 一律 carries a strong tone of authority and universality, often appearing in regulations, announcements, and firm declarations. Unlike 都 which simply aggregates, 一律 stresses that the rule tolerates zero exceptions. It is more formal and assertive than 全部 or 统统, and is frequently found in official or institutional language. When combined with 都, as in 一律都, the emphasis on universality is further reinforced. Learners sometimes confuse 一律 with 一向 (meaning 'always' for habitual behavior), but 一律 applies to groups or categories, not to an individual's personal habits.

Examples

1. 公司规定，所有员工上班时间一律不得使用私人手机。 The company rule is that all employees are prohibited from using personal phones during work hours, no exceptions.
2. 这家餐厅的规矩是客人一律先付款再取餐。 The rule at this restaurant is that all customers must pay first before picking up their food.
3. 不管职位高低，迟到的人一律要扣工资。 Regardless of position, anyone who is late will have their wages docked without exception.

Usage Guide

Context: written, official, spoken

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 从下个月起，公共场所一律禁止吸烟。
• 参赛选手一律要在九点前到达比赛场地。
• 无论什么原因，旷课三次以上的学生一律取消考试资格。

Don't Say

• 我一律喜欢吃辣的。(一律 describes uniform application of a rule or standard to multiple entities — it cannot express personal preference about a single subject; use 一向 or 向来 instead) → 我一向喜欢吃辣的。
• 他一律很早起床。(一律 applies to a group or category, not to an individual's habitual behavior — use 总是 or 一直 instead) → 他总是很早起床。

Origin & History

The word 一律 originates from classical Chinese legal and administrative language, where 律 referred to laws or regulations. The compound literally means 'one standard' and has been used since ancient times to express uniform application of rules.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal