yīzhào: 依照 - According to, In accordance with

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• Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of the Chinese term 依照 (yīzhào), which translates to “according to” or “in accordance with.” This page provides a comprehensive guide for beginners, explaining how to use 依照 in formal, legal, and official contexts. We'll break down the characters, explore cultural nuances, compare it with similar words like 按照 (ànzhào), and provide ten practical example sentences to master its use.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yīzhào
• Part of Speech: Preposition, Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To act in accordance with a rule, law, instruction, or established standard.
• In a Nutshell: 依照 (yīzhào) is a formal word used to express that an action is being taken based on a specific, often written, set of guidelines. Think of legal documents, company policies, or official regulations. It carries a strong sense of compliance and adherence to an external authority or standard.

• 依 (yī): This character means “to rely on,” “to depend on,” or “to comply with.” The pictograph shows a person (人) leaning against clothing (衣), vividly illustrating the idea of dependence and reliance.
• 照 (zhào): This character means “to shine,” “to reflect,” or “according to.” The character contains the radical for fire (火) at the bottom, originally depicting light shining from a source. This evolved metaphorically to mean illuminating a path or following a standard as if it were a guiding light.

When combined, 依照 (yīzhào) literally means “to rely on and follow the light/standard.” This creates the modern meaning of strictly following an established rule, law, or instruction as a guiding principle.

依照 (yīzhào) reflects the importance of order, structure, and adherence to established systems in Chinese culture, particularly in official and bureaucratic spheres. It embodies the principle that actions should be based on clear, pre-existing, and authoritative guidelines rather than on personal whim or interpretation. A useful Western comparison is the legal term “pursuant to.” While an American might casually say, “According to the recipe, we need to add sugar,” using 依照 (yīzhào) in that context would sound overly formal and strange. 依照 is reserved for situations where compliance is not optional. For example, “Pursuant to Article 5 of the contract, the payment must be made within 30 days.” This captures the formal, binding, and non-negotiable feeling of 依照. It highlights a cultural value placed on procedural correctness and respect for established authority, whether it's the law, a contract, or company policy.

依照 (yīzhào) is predominantly used in formal written and spoken Chinese. You will encounter it frequently in the following contexts:

• Legal and Governmental Documents: Laws, regulations, and official notices will almost always use 依照 to state the basis for a required action. (e.g., “依照法律规定…” - “In accordance with legal provisions…”)
• Business and Contracts: It's used in contracts, company policies, and formal business communication to specify that procedures must follow agreed-upon terms.
• Formal Instructions: When giving serious, non-negotiable instructions, such as in a technical manual or for a medical procedure, 依照 emphasizes the need for exact compliance.

It is considered much more formal than its near-synonym 按照 (ànzhào) and is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation with friends or family.

• Example 1:
  • 我们必须依照法律办事。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū yīzhào fǎlǜ bànshì.
  • English: We must handle matters in accordance with the law.
  • Analysis: This is a classic example of 依照 used in a legal context. It's formal, direct, and emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of the law.
• Example 2:
  • 所有员工都应依照公司规定着装。
  • Pinyin: Suǒyǒu yuángōng dōu yīng yīzhào gōngsī guīdìng zhuózhuāng.
  • English: All employees should dress in accordance with company regulations.
  • Analysis: This sentence would typically be found in an employee handbook or a formal company announcement. It sets a clear, enforceable standard.
• Example 3:
  • 请依照说明书上的步骤进行安装。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng yīzhào shuōmíngshū shàng de bùzhòu jìnxíng ānzhuāng.
  • English: Please proceed with the installation according to the steps in the instruction manual.
  • Analysis: Here, 依照 stresses the importance of following the instructions exactly to ensure the product is assembled correctly and safely.
• Example 4:
  • 法院将依照证据做出判决。
  • Pinyin: Fǎyuàn jiāng yīzhào zhèngjù zuòchū pànjué.
  • English: The court will make a judgment based on the evidence.
  • Analysis: This highlights the procedural nature of the legal system. The decision isn't arbitrary; it is based on (“in accordance with”) the presented evidence.
• Example 5:
  • 依照合同条款，你们需要在这个月底前付款。
  • Pinyin: Yīzhào hétong tiáokuǎn, nǐmen xūyào zài zhège yuèdǐ qián fùkuǎn.
  • English: In accordance with the terms of the contract, you need to make the payment before the end of this month.
  • Analysis: This is a common phrase in business dealings, referencing a binding agreement. It adds a layer of legal formality and seriousness.
• Example 6:
  • 学校依照教育部的新政策调整了课程。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxiào yīzhào jiàoyùbù de xīn zhèngcè tiáozhěng le kèchéng.
  • English: The school adjusted its curriculum in accordance with the Ministry of Education's new policy.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows a top-down chain of command. The school's action is a direct result of following a higher authority's directive.
• Example 7:
  • 医生依照病人的检查结果制定了治疗方案。
  • Pinyin: Yīshēng yīzhào bìngrén de jiǎnchá jiéguǒ zhìdìng le zhìliáo fāng'àn.
  • English: The doctor formulated a treatment plan based on the patient's test results.
  • Analysis: While 根据 (gēnjù) could also be used here, 依照 emphasizes that the plan adheres strictly to the standards and protocols dictated by the medical data.
• Example 8:
  • 海关官员会依照规定检查你的行李。
  • Pinyin: Hǎiguān guānyuán huì yīzhào guīdìng jiǎnchá nǐ de xínglǐ.
  • English: The customs officer will inspect your luggage in accordance with regulations.
  • Analysis: This usage implies that the inspection is not a personal choice but a required procedure that the officer is obligated to follow.
• Example 9:
  • 所有项目预算都必须依照财务部的审批流程。
  • Pinyin: Suǒyǒu xiàngmù yùsuàn dōu bìxū yīzhào cáiwùbù de shěnpī liúchéng.
  • English: All project budgets must follow the finance department's approval process.
  • Analysis: This emphasizes strict adherence to an internal corporate procedure, leaving no room for deviation.
• Example 10:
  • 建筑师依照城市规划蓝图设计了这栋大楼。
  • Pinyin: Jiànzhúshī yīzhào chéngshì guīhuà lántú shèjì le zhè dòng dàlóu.
  • English: The architect designed this building in accordance with the city's planning blueprint.
  • Analysis: This shows that the creative work of the architect was constrained by and based upon a pre-existing official plan.

The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between 依照 (yīzhào) and 按照 (ànzhào). Both can be translated as “according to,” but they are not always interchangeable.

• Formality: 依照 (yīzhào) is more formal and official. It is preferred for laws, regulations, contracts, and other written standards. 按照 (ànzhào) is more common and can be used in both formal and less formal contexts, including plans, suggestions, or verbal instructions.
• Basis: 依照 often implies a static, authoritative, and written basis (a law, a rulebook). 按照 can be used for more dynamic or general bases (a plan, an idea, a sequence).

Common Mistake: Using 依照 in a casual, everyday situation.

• Incorrect: 我们依照你的计划去看电影吧。 (Wǒmen yīzhào nǐ de jìhuà qù kàn diànyǐng ba.)
• Why it's wrong: A friend's plan is not a formal, binding document. It sounds unnaturally stiff and bureaucratic.
• Correct: 我们按照你的计划去看电影吧。 (Wǒmen ànzhào nǐ de jìhuà qù kàn diànyǐng ba.) - “Let's go see the movie according to your plan.”

In short: if you're talking about a law, contract, or written regulation, 依照 is a great choice. If you're talking about a plan, a suggestion, or a less formal instruction, 按照 is almost always better.

• 按照 (ànzhào) - A more common and less formal synonym for “according to,” often used for plans, arrangements, and suggestions.
• 根据 (gēnjù) - Means “based on” or “on the basis of.” It often points to the source of information or evidence (e.g., based on the report, based on the data). It's more about the foundation of knowledge than the rule for an action.
• 遵守 (zūnshǒu) - A verb meaning “to comply with” or “to abide by.” It focuses on the act of obedience itself, often used with rules or laws (e.g., 遵守规则 - to abide by the rules).
• 遵循 (zūnxún) - A formal verb meaning “to follow” or “to adhere to.” It is similar to 遵守 but can also apply to principles, teachings, or advice.
• 规定 (guīdìng) - A noun meaning “regulation” or “rule,” or a verb meaning “to stipulate.” This is the kind of thing one would act 依照.
• 法律 (fǎlǜ) - Noun, “law.” A primary basis for actions taken 依照.
• 合同 (hétong) - Noun, “contract.” Another common document that requires action 依照 its terms.
• 标准 (biāozhǔn) - Noun, “standard.” You would act 依照 a certain standard.