原则 — meaning in English: in principle

yuánzé · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for principle

原则

yuánzé

该程序

gāi chéngxù

故障

gùzhàng

思想

sīxiǎng

必要性

bìyào xìng

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use '原则' (yuánzé) in discussions about ethics, policies, and decision-making. For example, in a business meeting, a manager might refer to company values as '原则' when justifying a particular course of action, or it could appear in academic debates about moral principles.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym to '原则' is '标准' (biāozhǔn), which means 'standard' or 'criterion.' While '标准' refers more to measurable benchmarks or norms, '原则' focuses on guiding beliefs and values, making it more suitable in discussions about ethics and foundational beliefs.

Culture

'原则' carries a sense of foundational beliefs that guide behavior and decisions in both personal and societal contexts. The character '原' means 'source' or 'origin,' while '则' relates to 'rules' or 'standards,' highlighting its role in defining core values. This concept is crucial in Chinese philosophy, where principles are often discussed in relation to Confucian teachings.

FAQ

Q.What does '原则' mean in English?

'原则' translates to 'principle' or 'in principle' in English, referring to fundamental beliefs or guidelines that influence behavior and decisions.

Q.How is '原则' used in a sentence?

You might say, '我们必须遵循这个原则' (wǒmen bìxū zūnxún zhège yuánzé), which means 'We must adhere to this principle.' This shows how it can frame discussions around adherence to values.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using '原则'?

One common mistake is using '原则' in overly casual contexts. Since it is a formal term, it's best reserved for discussions about ethics, policies, or serious decision-making rather than informal conversations.

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