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March 24, 2026
遵守zūnshǒu(zun1shou3)
遵守 (zūnshǒu) means to comply with or abide by rules, agreements, or laws. It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as legal documents or regulations, to indicate that one is following established guidelines or norms. This term emphasizes respect for authority and social order.
Frequency#2972DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on social harmony and respect for authority, making 遵守 particularly significant in discussions about community behavior and governance. Understanding this term can provide insight into the value placed on collective responsibility in Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'zoo' where all the animals 'comply' with the rules of their habitat. The 'zoo' represents 遵 (zūn) as it sounds similar, and 'shou' (守) can be visualized as a guard 'keeping watch' to make sure everyone follows the rules.
Meanings of 遵守
zūnshǒu(zun1shou3)
1to comply with
2to abide by
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About 遵守
遵守Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2972Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 遵守
Podcast: 遵守
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AI Study Notes for 遵守
Quick Contrast
遵循 (zūnxún) - use 遵守 when emphasizing compliance with rules or laws, while 遵循 focuses more on following principles or guidelines.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'zoo' where all the animals 'comply' with the rules of their habitat. The 'zoo' represents 遵 (zūn) as it sounds similar, and 'shou' (守) can be visualized as a guard 'keeping watch' to make sure everyone follows the rules.
Usage Notes
When using 遵守, it is important to remember that it often applies to formal situations, such as laws and regulations. A common mistake is using it in informal contexts where a simpler term would suffice. Be mindful of the tone; it is often used in serious discussions.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 遵守 connects well with other terms related to rules and regulations, such as 法律 (fǎlǜ - law) and 规定 (guīdìng - regulation). Students should focus on using this word in sentences that demonstrate understanding of its formal context.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on social harmony and respect for authority, making 遵守 particularly significant in discussions about community behavior and governance. Understanding this term can provide insight into the value placed on collective responsibility in Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 遵守 with 遵从 (zūncóng), which has a slightly different nuance of following rather than strictly complying. For example, saying '我遵从法律' (I follow the law) is less formal than '我遵守法律' (I comply with the law), which is more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 遵守
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Grammar Patterns of 遵守
遵守 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 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.
We shall be able to tell whether you've kept your side of the bargain.
7
要是他遵守了诺言的话，他本应该已经从赞助费中赚了一大笔钱了。
yào shì tā zūn shǒu le nuò yán de huà， ， tā běn yīng gāi yǐ jīng cóng zàn zhù fèi zhōng zhuàn le yī dà bǐ qián。
Had he lived up to his promise, he would have made a fortune in sponsorship money.
8
本规则皆须遵守.
běn guī zé jiē xū zūn shǒu.
This regulation is binding on everybody.
Cultural Notes for 遵守
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on social harmony and respect for authority, making 遵守 particularly significant in discussions about community behavior and governance. Understanding this term can provide insight into the value placed on collective responsibility in Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 遵守
Generally, 遵守 is more common in formal contexts, like legal discussions or workplace regulations, rather than casual conversations.
Yes, you can use 遵守 for personal agreements, but it's more formal; in casual contexts, you might say '遵从' (zūncóng) instead.
