准则

• Pinyin: zhǔn zé
• Hanzi breakdown: 准 = 冫 + 隹 (standard); 则 = 贝 + 刂 (rule)

Meaning

Criterion; principle; standard; guideline. A rule or principle used as a basis for judgment or behavior.

Refers to fundamental rules or principles that guide behavior, decisions, or evaluations. Common in professional, ethical, and institutional contexts. More formal and foundational than 规则 or 标准.

Examples

1. 诚实是做人的基本准则。 Honesty is a fundamental principle of being a decent person.
2. 公司制定了严格的职业道德准则。 The company has established strict professional ethics guidelines.
3. 会计准则需要与国际接轨。 Accounting standards need to align with international standards.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, ethics, regulations

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 我们必须遵守行业准则，维护职业形象。(We must follow industry standards to maintain our professional image.)
• 这项准则适用于所有参与方。(This guideline applies to all participating parties.)

Don't Say

• 吃饭准则 — too formal for mundane activities; use 习惯 or 规矩

Origin & History

准 (standard, criterion) + 则 (rule, principle)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal