則 — Rule, Norm, Law

Meaning

The kanji 則 (そく) conveys core meanings such as 'rule,' 'norm,' 'law,' 'standard,' and 'model.' When used as a verb, it implies 'to follow' or 'to conform to' a particular standard. This character is crucial for understanding the regulations, principles, and guidelines that shape Japanese society and academic discourse. You'll frequently encounter it in discussions related to ethics, science, and governance.

Its etymology offers an interesting backstory. The character 則 is composed of two main elements: 貝 (かい), meaning 'shell' or 'money,' and 刀 (とう), meaning 'knife' or 'sword.' While 貝 sometimes serves as a phonetic component or relates to value, in this context, the combination of 貝 and 刀 is often interpreted as using a 'knife' (刀) to precisely 'cut' or 'divide' something to establish a 'standard' or 'rule.' The 'shell' (貝) element can suggest the value or importance of that standard.

Historically, an older form of 則 may have included 鼎 (かなえ, a tripod cauldron), which further implies measuring or weighing to set a law. The modern simplified form effectively communicates the precision and definition required when establishing rules or norms. In essence, the visual shape of 則 can be seen as embodying the act of defining or enforcing a precise standard, much like a knife carefully cuts or shapes something according to a set measure. This kanji has 9 strokes and is taught in Grade 5 of Japanese elementary school as part of the Jōyō Kanji list.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

The main On'yomi for 則 is ソク (soku). This reading appears extensively in compound words, especially those relating to rules, laws, principles, and standards borrowed from Chinese vocabulary.

原則げんそく (gensoku) — principle, general rule. This refers to a fundamental truth or proposition that forms the basis for a system of belief or behavior, or for a line of reasoning. For example, 例外はあるが、これが原則だ。 (Reigai wa aru ga, kore ga gensoku da. - There are exceptions, but this is the general rule.)
法則ほうそく (hōsoku) — law, rule, regulation (often in scientific or natural contexts). This denotes a statement of fact deduced from observation, like how a particular natural or scientific phenomenon always occurs under specific conditions. For instance, 物理学の法則。 (Butsurigaku no hōsoku. - The laws of physics.)
規則きそく (kisoku) — rule, regulation. This term is commonly used for institutional or organizational rules, such as school rules or company regulations. For example, 社内の規則に従う。 (Shanai no kisoku ni shitagau. - To follow internal company rules.)

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

則 has two main Kun'yomi readings, which are native Japanese words corresponding to the kanji's meaning.

のっと.るのっとる (notto.ru) — This is a transitive verb meaning 'to follow,' 'to conform to,' 'to be based on,' or 'to act in accordance with.' It implies adherence to a rule, precedent, or instruction.
法ほうにに則のっとる (hō ni nottoru) — to conform to the law, to act in accordance with legal statutes.
慣例かんれいにに則のっとって (kanrei ni nottotte) — following custom, based on established practice.
計画けいかくにに則のっとって (keikaku ni nottotte) — according to the plan, based on the plan.
のりのり (nori) — This is a noun meaning 'rule,' 'law,' or 'model.' It is less common in everyday modern Japanese and typically appears in more literary, classical, or formal contexts.
教おしえのの則のり (oshie no nori) — teaching principles, doctrines (often archaic or literary).
則のりにに従したがう (nori ni shitagau) — to follow the rules, to abide by the principles (literary/formal).

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 則 forms numerous compound words, mainly with its On'yomi ソク. These compounds cover a wide range of applications, from general principles to very specific regulations.

General Rules and Principles:

原則げんそく (gensoku) — principle; general rule. The fundamental belief or truth on which other ideas are based.
法則ほうそく (hōsoku) — law; rule (especially natural or scientific laws). A universally acknowledged truth or pattern, like the law of gravity.
規則きそく (kisoku) — rule; regulation. Formal guidelines or instructions that govern behavior or procedures, such as traffic rules.
準則じゅんそく (junsoku) — standard; criterion; norm. A benchmark against which something is measured or judged.
定則ていそく (teisoku) — fixed rule; established rule. A rule that is permanently set and not subject to change.

Specific Regulations and Provisions:

校則こうそく (kōsoku) — school rules. Regulations specific to an educational institution.
会則かいそく (kaisoku) — association rules; constitution (of a society). The governing rules for an organization or club.
細則さいそく (saisoku) — detailed regulations; bylaws. Supplementary rules that elaborate on broader regulations.
付則ふそく (fusoku) — supplementary provisions; additional rules. Clauses added to a main set of rules or laws.
鉄則てっそく (tessoku) — iron rule; strict rule. A very strict and unchangeable rule, often implying something that must be absolutely adhered to.

Mathematical and Technical Terms:

四則しそく (shisoku) — the four fundamental operations of arithmetic (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division). Often seen in 加減乗除かげんじょうじょのの四則しそく.

Example Sentences

学校がっこうのの規則きそくをを守まもりましょう。

Gakkō no kisoku o mamorimashō.

Let's follow the school rules.

自然しぜん界かいにはには様々さまざまなな法則ほうそくがあります。

Shizenkai ni wa samazama na hōsoku ga arimasu.

There are various laws in the natural world.

契約けいやくはは法律ほうりつにに則のっとってって締結ていけつされた。

Keiyaku wa hōritsu ni nottotte teiketsu sareta.

The contract was concluded in accordance with the law.

このこの場合ばあい、、原則げんそくとしてとして全員ぜんいんがが参加さんかするする必要ひつようがある。

Kono baai, gensoku to shite zen'in ga sanka suru hitsuyō ga aru.

In this case, as a general rule, everyone needs to participate.

彼かれはは自分じぶんのの定さだめためた則のりにに従したがってって生いきている。

Kare wa jibun no sadameta nori ni shitagatte ikite iru.

He lives according to the principles he set for himself.

交通こうつう規則きそくをを守まもるることはことは安全あんぜんのためにために不可欠ふかけつだ。

Kōtsū kisoku o mamoru koto wa anzen no tame ni fukaketsu da.

Following traffic rules is essential for safety.

会社かいしゃのの細則さいそくをを確認かくにんするする必要ひつようがある。

Kaisha no saisoku o kakunin suru hitsuyō ga aru.

I need to check the company's detailed regulations (bylaws).

このこのプロジェクトぷろじぇくとはは国際こくさい基準きじゅんにに則のっとってって進すすめられている。

Kono purojekuto wa kokusai kijun ni nottotte susumerarete iru.

This project is being advanced in accordance with international standards.

彼かれはは新あたらしいしい理論りろんのの法則ほうそくをを発見はっけんした。

Kare wa atarashii riron no hōsoku o hakken shita.

He discovered a new theoretical law.

社会しゃかいのの秩序ちつじょをを保たもつためにはためには明確めいかくなな準則じゅんそくがが不可欠ふかけつです。

Shakai no chitsujo o tamotsu tame ni wa meikaku na junsoku ga fukaketsu desu.

Clear norms are indispensable for maintaining social order.

Memory Tip

To remember 則, visualize its components: 貝 (shell/value) and 刀 (knife/cut). Imagine a meticulous craftsman using a knife (刀) to precisely cut or measure a valuable shell (貝) in order to establish a fair and accurate rule or standard. The precision of the knife ensures the rule is clearly defined and followed. This mnemonic helps connect the visual elements to the core meaning of establishing and adhering to a clear standard or regulation. Think of it as 'cutting out a rule' from something valuable.