How to Write 则 (zé) — Meaning “then / standard / rule”

Imagine a knife (刂) cutting a shell (贝) into a perfect shape — that shape becomes a 'standard' or 'rule' to follow. This image links the character's parts to its meanings of 'rule' and 'then'.

Write the left side 贝 first: vertical line, horizontal bend, left-falling stroke, then a small dot. Then add the right side 刂: a vertical hook and a vertical line. Keep the left part narrow and the right part slightly taller to balance the character.

则 has 贝 (shell) on the left, meaning 'rule' or 'standard', while 刈 uses 乂 (a cross shape) and means 'to mow or cut'. 刊 has 干 (dry) and means 'to carve or publish'. Visually, 则 is unique because of the 贝 component.

则 is used both as a noun meaning 'rule' or 'principle' (e.g., 规则 'rule') and as a conjunction meaning 'then' or 'otherwise' (e.g., 否则 'or else'). It appears often in formal writing and logical statements, like 'if...then' structures.

Common words containing 则 include: 规则 (guī zé) — Rule; regulation; 否则 (fǒu zé) — otherwise / or else; 原则 (yuán zé) — principle.