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March 24, 2026
规定(規定)guīdìng(gui1ding4)
规定 (guī dìng) refers to a rule or regulation that has been established to guide behavior or actions within a specific context. It is commonly used in legal, organizational, and educational settings to denote formal stipulations or provisions that must be adhered to.
Frequency#1966DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, regulations and rules are often strictly adhered to, reflecting the collective social responsibility and harmony values. 规定 is frequently referenced in discussions about government policies and workplace norms.
Memory Tip
Think of 规定 as 'guiding rules'. The character 规 (guī) looks like a compass guiding you, while 定 (dìng) suggests fixing or setting something firmly in place. Together, they evoke the image of a fixed path governed by rules.
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AI Study Notes for 规定
Quick Contrast
规定 (guīdìng) vs 法规 (fǎguī): 规定 refers to specific rules or regulations set by an authority, while 法规 denotes laws or statutes that have a broader legal context.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 规定 as 'guiding rules'. The character 规 (guī) looks like a compass guiding you, while 定 (dìng) suggests fixing or setting something firmly in place. Together, they evoke the image of a fixed path governed by rules.
Usage Notes
When using 规定, it is important to differentiate between formal and informal contexts; it is primarily used in formal settings. A common mistake is to confuse it with 规则 (guī zé), which also means 'rule' but is often used in a broader sense. Be mindful of the tones—incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstanding.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK level 4 word, 规定 connects well with other vocabulary related to laws, rules, and regulations. Students should focus on using it in sentences to describe rules in various contexts, enhancing both vocabulary and grammar skills.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, regulations and rules are often strictly adhered to, reflecting the collective social responsibility and harmony values. 规定 is frequently referenced in discussions about government policies and workplace norms.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 规定 with 规则, mistakenly using 规定 in casual contexts. For example, saying '这是一个规定' (This is a rule) in an informal setting can sound too rigid; a better choice would be '这是一个规则' (This is a rule).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 规定
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Grammar Patterns of 规定
规定 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 9 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.
The conditions laid down to me were not too limiting.
Cultural Notes for 规定
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, regulations and rules are often strictly adhered to, reflecting the collective social responsibility and harmony values. 规定 is frequently referenced in discussions about government policies and workplace norms.
Frequently Asked Questions about 规定
You can say, '学校规定学生必须按时上课' (The school stipulates that students must attend class on time).
While it is primarily used as a noun, it can also function as a verb meaning 'to stipulate' or 'to fix' in certain contexts.
规定 refers specifically to formal regulations set by authorities, while 规则 is a broader term for rules that can apply in various situations.
