原理 (yuánlǐ) — principle, fundamental law
HSK 5 | noun | underlying fundamental principle or law governing operation
原理 (yuánlǐ)
原理 refers to a fundamental principle or underlying law that governs how something works, typically at a foundational scientific, philosophical, or technical level.
Meanings
- [noun] principle, fundamental law (underlying how something works)
- [noun] basic mechanism or rationale (of a system or process)
Example Sentences
理解杠杆的基本原理需要掌握力学的基础知识。 Lǐjiě gǎnggǎn de jīběn yuánlǐ xūyào zhǎngwò lìxué de jīchǔ zhīshì. Understanding the basic principle of leverage requires mastery of the fundamentals of mechanics.
这台发动机的工作原理非常简单，却十分高效。 Zhè tái fādòng jī de gōngzuò yuánlǐ fēicháng jiǎndān, què shífēn gāoxiào. The working principle of this engine is very simple yet highly efficient.
量子力学的基本原理颠覆了经典物理学的世界观。 Liàngzǐ lìxué de jīběn yuánlǐ diānfù le jīngdiǎn wùlǐxué de shìjiè guān. The fundamental principles of quantum mechanics overturned the worldview of classical physics.
学法律不仅要记住条文，更要理解其背后的法律原理。 Xué fǎlǜ bùjǐn yào jìzhù tiáowén, gèng yào lǐjiě qí bèihòu de fǎlǜ yuánlǐ. Studying law requires not only memorizing statutes but also understanding the legal principles behind them.
这道菜的烹饪原理其实很简单：高温快炒锁住水分。 Zhè dào cài de pēngrèn yuánlǐ qíshí hěn jiǎndān: gāowēn kuài chǎo suǒ zhù shuǐ fèn. The cooking principle of this dish is actually very simple: stir-fry at high temperature to lock in moisture.
掌握了经济学的基本原理，就能分析很多社会问题。 Zhǎngwò le jīngjì xué de jīběn yuánlǐ, jiù néng fēnxī hěn duō shèhuì wèntí. Having mastered the basic principles of economics, one can analyze many social issues.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 基本原理 | basic/fundamental principle |
| 工作原理 | working principle |
| 运行原理 | operational principle |
| 设计原理 | design principle |
| 掌握原理 | to master principles |
| 原理性 | relating to fundamental principles |
Usage Notes
原理 refers to the foundational mechanism or logic underlying how something works, often at a level deeper than practice or procedure. It is closely related to 理论 (theory) but while 理论 is a broader explanatory framework, 原理 is typically the specific governing rule or mechanism. 工作原理 (working principle) is a very common compound used in science and engineering to explain how devices or systems function.
At B2 level, 原理 is essential for scientific, technical, legal, and philosophical discussion where foundational mechanisms need to be explained.
Memory Hook
原 means original or fundamental, and 理 means principle or order -- 原理 is the original order, the foundational rule baked into the very nature of something.