则 (zé)

In Chinese, "则" is a conjunction that indicates a logical relation or consequence between two clauses or sentences, similar to "then" or "therefore" in English. Below are detailed usages of "则".

1. Basic Usage

"则" is often used to express a logical consequence or relation between two clauses or sentences. For example:

• 如果你努力学习，则 你会取得好成绩。 (Rúguǒ nǐ nǔlì xuéxí, zé nǐ huì qǔdé hǎo chéngjì.) — If you study hard, then you will achieve good grades.
• 她喜欢运动，则 健康状态很好。 (Tā xǐhuān yùndòng, zé jiànkāng zhuàngtài hěn hǎo.) — She enjoys sports, therefore her health is in good condition.

2. Expressing Alternatives

"则" can also be used to express alternatives or choices. For example:

• 你可以选择留在家里，则 也可以出去玩。 (Nǐ kěyǐ xuǎnzé liú zài jiālǐ, zé yě kěyǐ chūqù wán.) — You can choose to stay at home, or you can go out to play.

3. Used in Classical Chinese

In Classical Chinese, "则" also appears frequently with similar meanings. For example:

• 人非木石，不可以无事，则 能以文学、以史书、以诗词、以琴书自乐。 (Rén fēi mùshí, bù kěyǐ wú shì, zé néng yǐ wénxué, yǐ shǐshū, yǐ shīcí, yǐ qínshū zì lè.) — Humans are not trees or stones; unable to do without activity, thus they amuse themselves with literature, history, poetry, and music. (Classical Chinese)