合乎

• Pinyin: hé hū
• Hanzi breakdown: 合 = 亼 + 口 — to come together/conform; 乎 = 丿 + 于 — classical preposition or particle indicating relation

Meaning

To conform to; to be in accord with; to comply with or meet a standard, rule, or principle.

Used in formal, legal, and academic contexts to indicate that something meets specified criteria, norms, or principles. Often followed by 逻辑 (logic), 规定 (regulations), 常理 (common sense), or 规范 (standards). More formal and classical-sounding than 符合, and preferred in written or official language.

Examples

1. 这份合同的所有条款均合乎国家相关法律法规的要求。 All the terms of this contract comply with the relevant national laws and regulations.
2. 他的推理过程严谨缜密，完全合乎逻辑，无可挑剔。 His reasoning is rigorous and meticulous—fully logical and beyond criticism.
3. 任何政策的制定都应合乎人民的根本利益，而非少数人的私欲。 Any policy should serve the people’s fundamental interests, not the private desires of a few.

Usage Guide

Context: law, academia, policy, argumentation

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 该方案完全合乎技术规范，可以正式启动实施。(This plan fully conforms to technical specifications and can be officially implemented.)
• 他的行为不合乎职业道德准则，应受到相应处分。(His behaviour does not conform to professional ethical standards and should be appropriately disciplined.)

Don't Say

• 合乎 in casual everyday speech — use 符合 for most contexts; 合乎 sounds classical and formal, best reserved for written or official language

Origin & History

合 (to agree with; to conform) + 乎 (classical particle meaning 'in accord with; at; to')

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal