遵守

• Pinyin: zūn shǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 遵 = 辶 (walk) + 尊 (honor) — to follow; 守 = 宀 (roof) + 寸 (inch) — to guard

Meaning

To comply with; to observe; to abide by. Following rules, laws, or agreements faithfully.

Used for adhering to rules (规则), laws (法律), agreements (协议), traditions (传统), and time (时间). Implies willing compliance rather than forced obedience.

Examples

1. 每个公民都应该遵守法律。 Every citizen should abide by the law.
2. 请遵守会场的各项规定。 Please observe all the regulations of the venue.
3. 他是一个遵守承诺的人。 He is a person who keeps his promises.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, rules, workplace

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 请遵守交通规则。(Please observe traffic rules.)
• 我们必须遵守合同条款。(We must abide by the contract terms.)

Don't Say

• 说'遵守这个建议'表示采纳建议 (Don't use 遵守 for taking advice — use 采纳 or 听从; 遵守 is specifically for rules and regulations)

Origin & History

遵 (to follow, to obey) + 守 (to guard, to keep). Together they mean to follow and uphold.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal