rule

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 則 has nine strokes and the on-reading そく.
• Basic usage: It appears in words for rules of conduct, laws governing phenomena, and guiding principles.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Rules and laws of phenomena
  • 規則(きそく) can mean an established rule to follow, such as keeping quiet in a library.
  • 法則(ほうそく) also describes consistent relationships found in motion or word order. It is not limited to prohibitions imposed by people.
• Principles and exceptions
  • 原則(げんそく) is a basic principle for judgment or operation. 原則として states the general rule without itself asserting that no exceptions exist.