原则 yuánzé principle
principle; doctrine
How to remember 原则: 原 original + 则 rule = principle.
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How it is used
- A principle / rule you stand by - 做人的原则 (zuòrén de yuánzé) principles for living; 原则上 (yuánzé shang) in principle.
- Contrast 原理 (yuánlǐ, an underlying scientific principle/mechanism): 原则 is a normative guideline for behavior or policy, 原理 explains how something works.
- Common: 有原则 (yǒu yuánzé) principled, 违反原则 (wéifǎn yuánzé) violate a principle.