Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
按照ànzhào(an4zhao4)
The term '按照' means 'according to' or 'in accordance with' and is commonly used to reference a basis for action or belief, such as instructions, regulations, or principles. It is frequently employed in both formal and informal contexts to express adherence to rules or guidelines.
Frequency#2084DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, following rules and guidelines is highly valued, reflecting the importance placed on harmony and structure in society. The use of '按照' in formal settings, such as business meetings or legal documents, underscores the Chinese emphasis on order and protocol.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person following a strict 'plan' (the character '按' resembles a hand pressing down on something) while '照' means to reflect or shine light on something, symbolizing how they base their actions on the outlined plan. This imagery helps remember that '按照' indicates following something carefully.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 按照
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person following a strict 'plan' (the character '按' resembles a hand pressing down on something) while '照' means to reflect or shine light on something, symbolizing how they base their actions on the outlined plan. This imagery helps remember that '按照' indicates following something carefully.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse '按照' with similar expressions like '根据' (gēnjù), which means 'based on' but is used differently. '按照' is slightly more formal and is often used in written instructions or official contexts. Remember to maintain the correct tones: 'an4 zhao4'.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, '按照' connects well with other terms related to following guidelines or rules, such as '根据' and '按照要求' (according to requirements). Focus on its use in sentences where you need to express compliance or adherence.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, following rules and guidelines is highly valued, reflecting the importance placed on harmony and structure in society. The use of '按照' in formal settings, such as business meetings or legal documents, underscores the Chinese emphasis on order and protocol.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '按照' with '依照' (yīzhào), mistakenly believing they are entirely interchangeable. For example, using '依照' in a formal instruction context when '按照' is more appropriate can lead to misunderstandings; use '按照' for clarity in such contexts.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 按照
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 按照 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 按照 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 按照
按照 functions as a preposition (often called a "coverb" in Chinese). It introduces a phrase that comes BEFORE the main verb (我在家吃饭, 给妈妈打电话), unlike English which puts prepositions after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Plumbing and electrics are installed to a high standard.
Cultural Notes for 按照
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, following rules and guidelines is highly valued, reflecting the importance placed on harmony and structure in society. The use of '按照' in formal settings, such as business meetings or legal documents, underscores the Chinese emphasis on order and protocol.
Frequently Asked Questions about 按照
Yes, while '按照' is more common in formal contexts, it can also be used in informal conversations to express following someone's instructions.
'按照' and '根据' are similar but not interchangeable; '按照' implies following instructions, while '根据' is more about the basis of something.
Practice saying 'an4 zhao4' in context, perhaps by creating sentences where you describe actions you take according to rules.
