一律

• Pinyin: yī lǜ
• Hanzi breakdown: 一 = one, uniform; 律 = 彳 (step/walk radical) + 聿 (pen/brush), a rule or law

Meaning

Without exception; uniformly; all. Indicates that a rule or state applies to every case with no exceptions.

An adverb used in formal rules, regulations, and official announcements to emphasise that something applies universally. 一律不得 (absolutely not allowed), 一律按规定处理 (all to be handled in accordance with regulations). Stronger and more formal than 都 (all).

Examples

1. 比赛规定，所有参赛者一律不得使用电子设备。 The competition rules state that all participants are prohibited without exception from using electronic devices.
2. 公司规定迟到超过三十分钟一律按旷工处理。 Company rules state that anyone more than thirty minutes late is uniformly treated as absent.
3. 节日期间，店内所有商品一律打八折优惠。 During the holiday, all items in the store are uniformly discounted by 20%.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, official, rules

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 凡是违反规定者，一律按纪律处分。(All those who violate the rules shall be disciplined without exception.)
• 本次活动一律免费，不收取任何费用。(This event is free of charge for everyone — no fees will be charged.)

Don't Say

• 在非常口语化的日常聊天中使用'一律' (In very casual, informal conversation 一律 can sound overly stiff — 都 is more natural in everyday speech)

Origin & History

A compound of 一 (one/uniform) and 律 (law/rule, from 彳 walk + 聿 pen/brush). Together they convey the idea of one uniform rule applying to all.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal