tiáolì: 条例 - Regulations, Rules, Ordinance

Keywords: 条例 meaning, what is tiaoli in Chinese, Chinese word for regulations, rules vs regulations in Chinese, ordinance in Chinese, 条例 vs 法律, Chinese legal terms, tiaoli pinyin, learn Chinese vocabulary.

Summary: Discover the meaning of 条例 (tiáolì), a fundamental Chinese term for 'regulations,' 'rules,' or 'ordinances.' This page explains how 条例 differs from broader concepts like 'law' (法律) and 'rules' (规则), providing clear examples from government, business, and daily life. Understanding tiáolì is essential for anyone navigating the formal, structured aspects of modern Chinese society.

Pinyin (with tone marks): tiáolì

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 6

Concise Definition: A set of formal regulations, rules, or ordinances issued by a governing body or organization.

In a Nutshell: Think of 条例 (tiáolì) as an official rulebook for a specific domain. It's more formal and binding than a simple guideline but generally less authoritative than a national “law” (法律, fǎlǜ). These are the detailed, article-by-article rules that govern things like traffic safety, city management, or company conduct.

条 (tiáo): This character originally meant “twig” or “branch.” It has since evolved to mean a strip, an item, a clause, or an article (as in an article of law). In 条例, it refers to the individual, numbered items or clauses that make up the regulations.

例 (lì): This character means “example,” “precedent,” or “rule.” It implies something established that serves as a model to be followed.

The characters combine to mean “clauses (条) that serve as a rule/precedent (例).” This beautifully illustrates the concept of a structured, itemized set of binding rules.

条例 (tiáolì) reflects the structured, and often bureaucratic, nature of governance in China. There is a strong cultural emphasis on having clear, written rules that are handed down from a position of authority, whether it's the central government, a local municipality, or a company's management. These regulations provide a framework for orderly conduct and social management.

Comparison to Western Concepts: In the West, we have various terms like “regulations” (e.g., from the EPA), “ordinances” (from a city council), and “bylaws” (for an organization). 条例 covers a similar functional space. However, the cultural feeling is often more top-down. While Western regulations often arise from a long process of public debate and legislative compromise, a 条例 is often perceived as a directive issued by an administrative body to implement a broader policy or law. The focus is on clear instruction and compliance.

条例 (tiáolì) is a highly formal term. You will encounter it frequently in official documents, news reports about new government policies, legal texts, and corporate handbooks.

You would almost never use it in casual conversation. To talk about your “house rules” or the “rules of a game,” you would use the more general term 规则 (guīzé).

Formality: Strictly formal.

Connotation: Neutral. It is simply a descriptive term for a set of official rules.

Government: Local and national bodies issue 条例 on everything from environmental protection to data security. Ex: 《中华人民共和国道路交通安全法实施条例》 - “Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the PRC”.

Corporate: Large companies have employee handbooks that can be referred to as 条例. Ex: 《公司员工行为条例》 - “Company Employee Conduct Regulations”.

Public Institutions: Schools, parks, and libraries all have their own 条例 governing user behavior. Ex: 《图书馆阅览室条例》 - “Library Reading Room Regulations”.

条例 (tiáolì) vs. 规则 (guīzé) - Regulations vs. Rules: 规则 (guīzé) is the most general word for “rules.” It applies to games (游戏规则), social norms, and general guidelines. It lacks the official, authoritative weight of 条例. You follow the 规则 of chess, but you comply with the 条例 of the city.

法律 (fǎlǜ) - Law. The highest level of legally binding rules in a country, senior to 条例.

法规 (fǎguī) - Laws and regulations. A collective noun that includes both 法律 and 条例.

规定 (guīdìng) - Provision, rule; to stipulate. A more general term for a rule; a 条例 is made up of many 规定.

规则 (guīzé) - Rule(s). The most general term, used for games, traffic, and unwritten social rules.

章程 (zhāngchéng) - Articles of association, bylaws. The specific founding rules that govern an organization, company, or association.

颁布 (bānbù) - To promulgate, issue, publish (laws, regulations). The official verb for releasing a new 条例.

遵守 (zūnshǒu) - To abide by, comply with, observe. The verb for following a 条例.

违反 (wéifǎn) - To violate, transgress, go against. The verb for breaking a 条例.

草案 (cǎo'àn) - Draft (of a law, plan, etc.). A 条例 exists as a 草案 before it is officially passed.