规律

• Pinyin: guī lǜ
• Hanzi breakdown: 规 = 夫 (man) + 见 (see) — a man observing standards; 律 = 彳 (step) + 聿 (brush/writing) — written rules to follow

Meaning

Pattern; regularity; law; rule. Refers to consistent patterns or principles that govern how things work or occur.

Used both in scientific contexts (自然规律, laws of nature) and daily life (生活规律, regular lifestyle). Can also function as an adjective meaning 'regular' or 'systematic,' as in 作息规律 (keeping a regular schedule). An important word in academic and philosophical discussion.

Examples

1. 早睡早起是一种健康的生活规律。 Going to bed early and getting up early is a healthy life pattern.
2. 科学家发现了这种现象背后的规律。 The scientists discovered the pattern behind this phenomenon.
3. 他的作息很有规律，每天都一样。 His daily routine is very regular; every day is the same.

Usage Guide

Context: science, health, everyday

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 你的生活有规律吗？(Do you have a regular routine?)
• 这是自然界的基本规律。(This is a basic law of nature.)

Don't Say

• 你要遵守规律 (Don't use 规律 for man-made rules that must be obeyed — use 规则 or 规定 instead; 规律 refers to natural or observed patterns)

Origin & History

规 (guī, compass/rule) + 律 (lǜ, law/regulation) — combining 'measuring instrument' with 'law' to mean a fundamental pattern or principle.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal