原则 (yuánzé) — principle; rule; tenet
HSK 4 | noun | a fundamental belief or rule guiding behavior
原则 (yuánzé)
原则 refers to a fundamental principle, rule, or guiding belief that directs one's behavior or approach to decisions.
Meanings
- [noun] a principle, rule, or fundamental tenet that guides behavior or decisions
Example Sentences
诚实是他做人的基本原则。 Chénshí shì tā zuòrén de jīběn yuánzé. Honesty is his basic principle in life.
我们必须坚持公平公正的原则。 Wǒmen bìxū jiānchí gōngpíng gōngzhèng de yuánzé. We must adhere to the principle of fairness and justice.
这个决定违反了公司的核心原则。 Zhège juédìng wéifǎn le gōngsī de héxīn yuánzé. This decision violated the company's core principles.
无论遇到什么情况，他都坚守自己的原则。 Wúlùn yùdào shénme qíngkuàng, tā dōu jiānshǒu zìjǐ de yuánzé. No matter what situation he encounters, he always upholds his principles.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 基本原则 | basic principle |
| 坚持原则 | uphold principles |
| 违反原则 | violate a principle |
| 核心原则 | core principle |
Usage Notes
原则 refers to a higher-level guiding belief rather than a specific rule or regulation. Saying someone 有原则 (has principles) is a compliment, meaning they act with integrity. 没有原则 (has no principles) is a criticism. The phrase 坚持原则 (to uphold principles) is very commonly used in Chinese.
Memory Hook
原 means "original or fundamental" and 则 means "rule or standard," so 原则 is a fundamental rule, a principle one lives by.