则 (zé) - Meaning, Stroke Order, Words & Examples

Q: What does 则 (zé) mean in Chinese?

The Chinese character 则 (zé) means "then / standard / rule". It is an HSK Level 4 character, with 6 strokes and the radical 刂.

Q: How do you write 则 stroke by stroke?

则 has 6 strokes. The radical is 刂. Follow the standard stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. Practice with stroke animation to build muscle memory.

Q: What's the difference between 则 and 刈?

则 (zé) and 刈 look similar but differ in meaning and usage. Check the radical and stroke count to tell them apart.

Q: What mistakes do learners make writing 则?

Common mistake: incorrect stroke order or miswriting the radical 刂. Pay attention to the proportion between components — keep the radical compact.

Q: What common words use 则?

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

How to Write 则

The character 则 (zé) is written with 6 strokes. Follow the standard Chinese stroke order: top to bottom, left to right, outside before inside. The radical 刂 is one of its key components.

Practice the correct stroke order with the Hanzi Writer app to see animated stroke-by-stroke guidance with real-time feedback.

Meaning & Pronunciation

则 is pronounced zé in Mandarin Chinese. It means then / standard / rule.

As an HSK Level 4 character, 则 is an intermediate-level character.

Common Words with 则

规则 guī zé

Rule; regulation

否则 fǒu zé

otherwise / or else

原则 yuán zé

principle

Example Sentences

每个人都要遵守规则。

měi gè rén dōu yào zūn shǒu guī zé

Everyone must follow the rules.

快走，否则会迟到。

kuài zǒu fǒu zé huì chí dào

Hurry up, or you'll be late.

这是一个原则问题。

zhè shì yí gè yuán zé wèn tí

This is a matter of principle.

Similar Characters

刈 yì

刊 kān

刎 wěn

Practice Writing 则 (zé)

Open Hanzi Writer to see the animated stroke order and practice writing 则 with real-time feedback.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 则

What does 则 (zé) mean in Chinese?

How do you write 则 stroke by stroke?

What's the difference between 则 and 刈?

What mistakes do learners make writing 则?

What common words use 则?

How to Write 则 (zé)