Common Meanings
1
zé则
To serve as a model or an example, especially in the idiom '以身作则' (to set an example oneself).
作为团队的领导，他时刻以身作则，激励大家共同进步。
As the team leader, he always leads by example, inspiring everyone to make progress together.
Rule, regulation, or principle.
我们应该遵守基本原则。
We should adhere to basic principles.
to imitate; to follow the example of
我们应该则其榜样，努力学习。
We should follow their example and study hard.
Used to indicate a consequence or result, similar to 'then' or 'in that case'.
有付出，则有回报。
Where there is effort, there is a reward.
Indicates a turn or contrast, similar to 'but' or 'however', often used to introduce a different situation or outcome.
我喜欢咖啡，他则喜欢茶。
I like coffee, but he prefers tea.
Used to indicate an affirmative judgment or conclusion, meaning 'is', 'then', or 'thus'.
这则是我一直以来的愿望。
This, then, has always been my long-held wish.
Used after numbers (e.g., first, second) to enumerate reasons or explanations.
他不去聚会，一则身体不适，二则工作繁忙。
He's not attending the gathering: firstly, he's feeling unwell; secondly, he's busy with work.
An archaic usage of '则' (zé), similar to '做' (zuò), meaning 'to do' or 'what to do', commonly found in classical Chinese literature (Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties), especially in phrases like '则甚' (what to do).
他不知则甚。
He does not know what to do.
A measure word for items of written or spoken text, such as news articles, rules, or stories.
他讲了两则有趣的故事。
He told two interesting stories.