Traditional: 則
HSK 5

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

这条规则则很重要。
Zhè tiáo guīzé zé hěn zhòngyào.
This rule is very important.
他则喜欢看书。
Tā zé xǐhuān kàn shū.
He, on the other hand, likes reading books.
成功则需努力。
Chénggōng zé xū nǔlì.
Success requires effort.
这是一则新闻。
Zhè shì yī zé xīnwén.
This is a piece of news.
他讲了一则笑话。
Tā jiǎng le yī zé xiàohua.
He told a joke.

💡 Memory Tip

Imagine a newspaper with a 'Z' (for 则) stamped on each separate news item—each 'Z' marks one piece (则) of information. Think: 'Zé zaps one piece of news into focus.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is primarily used in formal or written contexts, such as news reports, official documents, or academic writing. It is less common in casual spoken language. Typical contexts include journalism (e.g., news items), legal texts (e.g., clauses), and administrative announcements (e.g., job postings).

📖 Grammar Points

Used in the structure: Number + 则 + Noun (e.g., 一则广告). It typically precedes nouns related to information, like 新闻 (news) or 广告 (advertisement). It can also appear in classical Chinese as a conjunction meaning 'then' or 'in that case,' but here it's strictly a classifier.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese media and official communication, using 则 adds a tone of formality and precision, reflecting the structured nature of information dissemination. It subtly conveys respect for the content as an authoritative or published item.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to other classifiers: 篇 (piān) is used for longer, complete articles or essays; 条 (tiáo) often quantifies news or information but is broader (e.g., for messages or items in a list); 则 specifically emphasizes a self-contained piece within formal or published media.

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