則
(literary) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; (bound form) standard; norm; (bound form) principle; (literary) to imitate; to follow
Closest English meanings
then·rule·standard·actually
The Calligrapher — Yán Zhēnqīng 颜真卿
Tang master of robust regular script; co-creator of the enduring 'Yan style'.
Tang calligrapher (709–784), master of regular script/running script — the Tang moral paragon whose upright, muscular regular script became the model of Chinese integrity in writing. Tang dynasty
Cultural Story
(Mencius taught "穷则独善其身，达则兼善天下" — in want, mend your own self; in power, mend the world as well. The 则 here binds state to act, the grammar of a life. The character once showed a tripod and a knife cutting a rule; it still links condition to consequence in a line.
Common words & phrases
- 规则 rule · regulation
- 原则 principle
- 否则 otherwise · else
- 准则 criterion · norm
- 法则 law · rule
Read the story behind the character
The 规则 ban phones in the hall. The 原则 holds though the deal sours. 否则 the fine applies without appeal. The 准则 guide the audit. The word names the standard and the clause that follows when a thing is or is not done. The 规则 ban phones in the hall, the 原则 holds though the deal sours, and 否则 the fine applies.
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