按照

• Pinyin: àn zhào
• Hanzi breakdown: 按 = 扌(hand) + 安 (peace); 照 = 日 (sun) + 召 (summon) + 灬 (fire), meaning to shine or follow

Meaning

According to; in accordance with. Used to indicate following a rule, plan, or standard.

A formal-sounding preposition used to introduce the basis for an action. More formal than 按 alone. Often followed by nouns like 规定 (regulations), 计划 (plan), or 要求 (requirements).

Examples

1. 请按照老师的要求完成作业。 Please complete the homework according to the teacher's requirements.
2. 我们按照计划进行了这次旅行。 We carried out the trip according to plan.
3. 按照公司的规定，迟到要扣钱。 According to company regulations, being late results in a pay deduction.

Usage Guide

Context: work, academic, regulations

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 按照医生的建议，你应该多休息。(According to the doctor's advice, you should rest more.)
• 我们要按照顺序排队。(We should line up in order.)

Don't Say

• 按照我的感觉 (Avoid using 按照 with feelings or vague impressions — use 根据 or 凭 instead for subjective judgments)

Origin & History

Compound of 按 (to press, according to) and 照 (to follow, shine), reinforcing the meaning of following a standard.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal