规则

• Pinyin: guī zé
• Hanzi breakdown: 规 = 夫 (man) + 见 (see); 则 = 贝 (shell/currency) + 刀 (knife)

Meaning

Rule; regulation; regular; orderly. Refers to established norms, laws, or patterns that govern behaviour.

As a noun, 规则 means 'rules' or 'regulations' in a game, institution, or society. As an adjective it describes something as regular, orderly, or consistent in form. 遵守规则 (follow the rules) is a very common phrase.

Examples

1. 参加比赛之前，请认真阅读比赛规则。 Before joining the competition, please read the competition rules carefully.
2. 这座建筑的设计非常规则，每一层楼的结构都一样。 The design of this building is very regular — every floor has the same structure.
3. 我们必须遵守交通规则，保证大家的安全。 We must obey traffic rules to ensure everyone's safety.

Usage Guide

Context: law, education, sports

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 每个游戏都有自己的规则。(Every game has its own rules.)
• 违反规则的人将受到处罚。(Those who break the rules will be penalised.)

Don't Say

• 不要用'规则'代替'规定' — 两者相近，但'规定'更多指官方制度，'规则'更广泛 (Don't swap 规则 for 规定 carelessly — 规定 often implies official regulations, while 规则 is broader)

Origin & History

规 (compass/norm) + 则 (rule/standard) — together meaning 'a standard or set norm to follow'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal