Meaning
规律 refers to an inherent pattern, law, or regularity that governs how things work or develop. It can describe natural laws (like scientific principles), social patterns, or any consistent, predictable principle underlying phenomena. The word suggests something objective and discoverable rather than arbitrary.
Usage
Used in formal and academic contexts to discuss patterns in nature, society, or behavior. Common in scientific writing, philosophical discussions, and when analyzing systematic trends. Native speakers use it when referring to objective patterns rather than man-made rules (which would be 规则).
Examples
- 01科学家们努力探索宇宙的规律。.Scientists work hard to explore the laws of the universe.
- 02学习语言要掌握它的内在规律。.Learning a language requires mastering its inherent patterns.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个规律
- 条一条规律
Common collocations
- 自然规律law of nature
- 客观规律objective law
- 发展规律law of development
- 遵循规律to follow/observe the law/pattern
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to rules and order. 规 originally meant compass (drawing tool), suggesting measurement and standards. 律 has legal connotations, referring to laws and principles. Together they form a word emphasizing objective, inherent patterns.