照例

• Pinyin: zhào lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 照 = 日 + 召 + 灬 (according to); 例 = 亻+ 列 (example/precedent)

Meaning

As usual; as a rule; following established practice.

Indicates something happens according to custom or established routine. Often used to describe habitual actions or standard procedures. Implies predictability and consistency.

Examples

1. 他照例每天早上六点起床去公园晨练。 As usual, he gets up at six every morning and goes to the park for morning exercise.
2. 会议照例在每周一上午召开，风雨无阻。 As a rule, the meeting is held every Monday morning, rain or shine.
3. 春节期间，她照例回老家陪伴父母过年。 During the Spring Festival, she goes back to her hometown as usual to spend the New Year with her parents.

Usage Guide

Context: routine, habits, procedures

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他照例在午餐后小憩半小时再继续工作。(As usual, he takes a half-hour nap after lunch before continuing work.)
• 年终总结会议照例由总经理主持。(The year-end summary meeting is, as a rule, chaired by the general manager.)

Don't Say

• 照例地 — 照例 already functions adverbially; adding 地 is unnecessary

Origin & History

照 (according to) + 例 (precedent/custom)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal