(zé) - then, in that case; whereas, while; a rule, a norm; measure word for items of news in Mandarin
zéTraditional: 則
Translation
then, in that case; whereas, while; a rule, a norm; measure word for items of news
Word origin
A compound of 贝 (bèi, cowrie shell, standing for value) and 刂 (dāo, knife), from the practice of incising standards and rules onto bronze vessels.
- Origin
- compound
- Root
- 贝 (bèi, cowrie, value) + 刂 (dāo, knife)
Stroke order
则
Examples
，。
He likes tea, whereas I prefer coffee.
。
If you do not go forward, you fall back.
。
This is one of the company's rules.
，。
If the weather is good we go out; if it rains we stay in.
。
There is an important item of news in the paper.
则 is a written-register word doing the job that 就 does in speech. In a conditional it marks the consequence: 不进则退, 有则改之. In a comparison it marks the contrasting half: 他喜欢喝茶，我则喜欢咖啡. Neither use sounds right in casual conversation, where you would say 就 or 而.
Its other life is as a noun meaning rule or standard, which is where 规则 (rules), 原则 (principle) and 法则 (law, in the scientific sense) come from. That sense is fully everyday and you will meet it far more often than the conjunction.
Finally it is the measure word for pieces of written material: 一则新闻 (an item of news), 一则广告, 一则故事. English speakers reach for 个 here; 则 is what a newspaper actually uses.
Where this fits
Used in
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则: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Mandarin word "则" (then, in that case; whereas, while; a rule, a norm; measure word for items of news): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is part of lesson 43.