原则
Traditional: 原則
yuán zé HSK 5

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他坚持自己的原则。
Tā jiānchí zìjǐ de yuánzé.
He sticks to his own principles.
这是一个重要的原则。
Zhè shì yīgè zhòngyào de yuánzé.
This is an important principle.
公司有明确的原则。
Gōngsī yǒu míngquè de yuánzé.
The company has clear principles.
这是我们的原则。
Zhè shì wǒmen de yuánzé.
This is our principle.
原则很重要。
Yuánzé hěn zhòngyào.
Principles are very important.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 原 (yuán) meaning 'original' or 'source,' and 则 (zé) meaning 'rule'—together, they form 'original rules' or fundamental principles that come from a core source, like your values. You can remember it as the 'original rules' you live by.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in serious discussions, written language, and professional or ethical debates. It is suitable for spoken and written Chinese, often appearing in contexts like personal ethics, business policies, legal frameworks, or political ideologies.

📖 Grammar Points

原则 is typically used as a noun and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., 重要原则 - important principle). It often appears in structures like 坚持 + 原则 (to uphold principles) or 以...为原则 (taking... as a principle). It can also be used as a subject or object in sentences.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, adhering to principles is highly valued as a sign of integrity and reliability, especially in personal and professional conduct. It reflects Confucian ideals of moral consistency. However, in some contexts, being overly rigid about principles might be seen as inflexible, so balance is often emphasized.

🔄 Similar Words

原则 is similar to 规则 (guīzé - rule, regulation) and 道理 (dàolǐ - reason, truth), but differs in emphasis: 原则 focuses on foundational beliefs or ethics (e.g., moral principles), while 规则 refers to specific, often external rules (e.g., game rules), and 道理 is more about logical reasoning or truth.

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