How is 则 pronounced?

则 is pronounced “zé” in pinyin.

What HSK level is 则?

则 belongs to HSK 5 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

How do you write 则?

Follow the stroke-order animation above; 则 is written using standard stroke order. Practice it in the writing trainer.

HSK 5

则

zé

则 (zé) means “(literary) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; (bound form) standard; norm; (bound form) principle”. It is an HSK 5 Chinese character in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.

Stroke order

Practice writingUnlock HSK 5 required

Words containing 则

否则fǒu zéotherwise; if not; or (else)规则guī zérule; regulation; rules and regulations 原则yuán zéprinciple; doctrine 准则zhǔn zénorm; standard; criterion

More HSK 5 vocabulary

HSK 5 →

哎āihey!; (interjection used to attract attention or to express surprise or disapprobation)唉āiinterjection or grunt of agreement or recognition (e.g. yes, it's me!); to sigh 爱护ài hùto cherish; to treasure; to take care of; to love and protect 爱惜ài xīto cherish; to treasure; to use sparingly 爱心ài xīncompassion; kindness; care for others; love; charity (bazaar, golf day etc); heart (the symbol ♥)安慰ān wèito comfort; to console 安装ān zhuāngto install; to erect; to fix; to mount; installation 岸ànvariant of 岸暗ànvariant of 暗熬夜áo yèto stay up late or all night 把握bǎ wòto grasp (also fig.); to seize; to hold; assurance; certainty; sure (of the outcome)摆bǎito arrange; to exhibit; to move to and fro; a pendulum

Frequently asked questions

What does 则 mean?: 则 (zé) means “(literary) (conjunction used to express contrast with a previous clause) but; then; (bound form) standard; norm; (bound form) principle”. It is an HSK 5 word.
How is 则 pronounced?: 则 is pronounced “zé” in pinyin.
What HSK level is 则?: 则 belongs to HSK 5 in the HSK 3.0 vocabulary.
How do you write 则?: Follow the stroke-order animation above; 则 is written using standard stroke order. Practice it in the writing trainer.

Updated: 2026-07-05