What does 则 mean in Chinese?

则 (zé) means "(conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; standard; norm; principle; to imitate; to follow; classifier for written items" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 6.

How do you pronounce 则?

则 is pronounced "zé" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone number is 2.

What HSK level is 则?

则 is an HSK 6 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 5 on the old exam, HSK 6 on the new one.

What words contain the character 则?

Common words with 则 include 原则 (principle), 一则 (on the one hand), 再则 (moreover), 则个 ((old sentence-final expression used for emphasis)), 三原则 (the Three Principles (in many contexts)).

How do you write 则?

You can practice writing 则 using our stroke order tool.

则 (zé), (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but

则

zé

(conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; standard; norm

HSK 6 Was HSK 5verbclassifier

Traditional: 則

Character Breakdown

Radical: 刀 (no. 18)Traditional: 則

View stroke order →

Definitions

(verb, classifier) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but
then
standard
norm
principle
to imitate
to follow
classifier for written items

Example Sentences

学习语法时要掌握连词的用法则能连接句子。

Xuéxí yǔfǎ shí yào zhǎngwò liáncí de yòngfǎ zé néng liánjiē jùzi

When learning grammar, master the usage of conjunctions to connect sentences

Words Containing 则

Word	Pinyin	Meaning	HSK
原则	yuán zé	principle	HSK 5
一则	yī zé	on the one hand
再则	zài zé	moreover
则个	zé gè	(old sentence-final expression used for emphasis)
三原则	sān yuán zé

Related Words

句(jù)· sentence

→

接着(jiē zhe)· to catch and hold on

Grammar Notes

Otherwise (否则)HSK 4

Statement/Condition, 否则 + Negative Consequence

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 6
HSK 2.0: HSK 5
HSK Lord study list: HSK 7 list

则: HSK 5 on the old exam, HSK 6 on the new one. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 6 exam

Studying for HSK 6? Keep 则 with the rest of your level.

HSK Lord schedules your reviews so each character comes back right before you would forget it. Free to start, and it picks up where you are.

Start studying free The words new HSK 6 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.