依照

• Pinyin: yī zhào
• Hanzi breakdown: 依 = 亻 (person) + 衣 (clothing) — to follow; 照 = 日 (sun) + 召 (to summon) — according to

Meaning

According to; in accordance with. To follow or comply with rules, instructions, or standards.

A formal expression meaning to follow or act according to something. Similar to 按照 but slightly more formal. Used with laws, regulations, agreements, or instructions: 依照法律 (according to law), 依照规定 (according to regulations). Common in legal and official contexts.

Examples

1. 请依照说明书的步骤进行操作。 Please operate according to the steps in the manual.
2. 依照公司规定，迟到要扣工资。 According to company regulations, being late results in salary deductions.
3. 法院将依照法律作出判决。 The court will make a judgment according to the law.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, official, instructions

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 依照合同约定执行。(Execute according to the contract agreement.)
• 请依照顺序排队。(Please line up in order.)

Don't Say

• 说'依照我的心情'表示凭感觉做事 (Don't use 依照 for subjective feelings — use 凭 or 根据; 依照 implies objective standards)

Origin & History

依 (to follow, to depend on) + 照 (to illuminate, according to). Together meaning to follow according to, in compliance with.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal