严格遵守规定
Strictly abide by regulations
Use this to emphasize that rules are non-negotiable and must be followed perfectly.
In 15 Seconds
- Follow the rules exactly as written.
- Used in professional, legal, or safety contexts.
- Shows you are disciplined and highly reliable.
Meaning
It means following the rules to the letter without any shortcuts or exceptions. Think of it as being a 'by-the-book' person who values order and safety above all else.
Key Examples
3 of 6A manager addressing the team about new safety protocols.
为了大家的自身安全，请务必严格遵守规定。
For everyone's safety, please be sure to strictly abide by regulations.
Texting a friend about the rules of a new apartment complex.
这里的物业很凶，我们得严格遵守规定。
The property management here is tough; we have to follow the rules strictly.
Explaining to a child why they can't run in a museum.
博物馆里有规定，我们要严格遵守规定，不能乱跑。
The museum has rules; we must strictly follow them and not run around.
Cultural Background
This phrase is deeply rooted in China's transition toward a 'rule of law' society. While traditional culture emphasized personal relationships (guanxi), modern Chinese professional culture heavily stresses standardized regulations to ensure fairness and safety in its massive cities. It is a common slogan seen in subways, factories, and government offices across the country.
The 'Strict' Modifier
You can drop '严格' (strict) to make it just '遵守规定' (abide by regulations) if you want to sound slightly less intense but still professional.
Don't Be a Robot
Using this phrase too much in a casual friendship can make you seem '死板' (sǐbǎn), which means stiff or inflexible. Use it sparingly with friends!
In 15 Seconds
- Follow the rules exactly as written.
- Used in professional, legal, or safety contexts.
- Shows you are disciplined and highly reliable.
What It Means
严格遵守规定 is your go-to phrase for absolute compliance. It combines 严格 (strict), 遵守 (to abide by), and 规定 (regulations). When you use this, you aren't just following a suggestion. You are adhering to a hard requirement. It implies a sense of duty and discipline. There is no room for 'maybe' or 'almost' here. It is the verbal equivalent of a perfectly straight line.
How To Use It
You can use this as a standalone command or a description of behavior. Usually, it follows a subject like 'we' or 'everyone.' You will often see it in workplace manuals or hear it from flight attendants. It acts like a verb phrase in most sentences. You can say 请严格遵守规定 to sound like a firm authority figure. Or use it to describe your own habits to show you are reliable. It is a great way to signal that you take a situation seriously.
When To Use It
Use this in professional settings where safety or protocol is key. It is perfect for office meetings about new policies. Use it when you are at the airport or a high-security museum. It also works when you are teaching a board game to that one friend who always tries to cheat. If you are a manager, this phrase is your best friend for setting expectations. It sounds responsible and organized.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase in super relaxed social settings. Don't tell your date to 严格遵守规定 regarding who pays the bill. It will make you sound like a robot or a drill sergeant. Also, don't use it for soft 'social rules' like how to eat pizza. It is too heavy for casual habits. If you use it with close friends during a party, they might think you are being sarcastic. Unless you are actually joking, keep it for serious business.
Cultural Background
In China, there is a deep respect for social order and collective harmony. This phrase reflects the value placed on 'Legalism' (法家) and modern administrative efficiency. In a country with over a billion people, rules keep things moving. Following regulations isn't just about avoiding trouble. It is often seen as a sign of high personal character and respect for others. It shows you are a 'team player' in the largest sense.
Common Variations
You might hear 遵纪守法, which specifically means obeying laws and discipline. Another one is 按章办事, which means 'doing things by the book.' If someone is being a bit too strict, you might call them 死板 (stiff/inflexible). But 严格遵守规定 remains the most standard, professional way to talk about following the rules. It is the gold standard for 'doing it right.'
Usage Notes
This phrase is high-register and formal. It is most effective in professional environments or when emphasizing the importance of safety and order.
The 'Strict' Modifier
You can drop '严格' (strict) to make it just '遵守规定' (abide by regulations) if you want to sound slightly less intense but still professional.
Don't Be a Robot
Using this phrase too much in a casual friendship can make you seem '死板' (sǐbǎn), which means stiff or inflexible. Use it sparingly with friends!
The Power of 'Guīdìng'
In China, '规定' (regulation) is a powerful word. If someone tells you '这是规定' (This is the regulation), it usually means there is zero room for negotiation.
Examples
6为了大家的自身安全，请务必严格遵守规定。
For everyone's safety, please be sure to strictly abide by regulations.
The word '务必' (must) adds extra weight to the requirement.
这里的物业很凶，我们得严格遵守规定。
The property management here is tough; we have to follow the rules strictly.
Even in a text, it shows the seriousness of the situation.
博物馆里有规定，我们要严格遵守规定，不能乱跑。
The museum has rules; we must strictly follow them and not run around.
Used here to teach discipline and social boundaries.
别想耍赖！请严格遵守规定，退后三步！
Don't try to cheat! Strictly abide by the regulations and move back three spaces!
Using a formal phrase in a game adds a funny, dramatic effect.
请在飞行过程中严格遵守规定，系好安全带。
Please strictly abide by regulations and keep your seatbelt fastened during the flight.
Standard formal announcement phrasing.
我以后一定会严格遵守规定，再也不乱停车了。
I will definitely follow the rules strictly from now on and never park illegally again.
Shows a sincere intention to change behavior.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct words to complete the sentence about lab safety.
在实验室里，每个学生都必须___。
In a lab setting, 'strictly abiding by regulations' is the only logical and safe choice.
Complete the sentence for a sign at a swimming pool.
为了您的安全，请___游泳池的使用时间。
Signs use '严格遵守规定' to ensure people follow the official hours of operation.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum
Telling a friend to 'do what they're told.'
听话 (Tīnghuà)
General instruction to follow rules.
守规矩 (Shǒu guīju)
Official requirement to follow regulations.
严格遵守规定 (Yángé zūnshǒu guīdìng)
Legal requirement to obey the law.
恪守法律 (Kèshǒu fǎlǜ)
When to Use the Phrase
Corporate Office
Following the new HR policy.
Airport Security
Following liquid restrictions.
Board Games
Stopping a friend from cheating.
Construction Site
Wearing a hard hat at all times.
Public Health
Following mask mandates.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it applies to any set of rules, including company policies, school rules, or even the rules of a game. For actual laws, you would use 法律 (fǎlǜ) instead of 规定 (guīdìng).
It’s a bit too formal. If your parents have a rule, you’d usually just say 听话 (tīnghuà - be obedient) or 听他们的 (tīng tāmen de - listen to them).
Not always, but it adds emphasis. 遵守规定 is 'follow the rules,' while 严格遵守规定 is 'strictly follow the rules.' Use the latter when the stakes are high.
You would say 违反规定 (wéifǎn guīdìng). It is the direct opposite of 遵守规定.
Yes, it is a very standard HSK-level phrase. You will see it in almost every unit regarding work, society, or travel.
遵守 is for specific rules and regulations. 遵循 (zūnxún) is more for abstract principles or paths, like 遵循自然规律 (following the laws of nature).
Only as a joke! For example, if you have a 'rule' about who picks the movie, you could say it to be funny and dramatic.
It is common in both. You'll see it on signs (writing) and hear it in announcements or meetings (speaking).
It sounds firm and authoritative, but not necessarily aggressive. It's more about being 'official' than being mean.
Use 守规矩 (shǒu guīju). It’s much more common in daily conversation with friends or family.
Related Phrases
遵纪守法 (Obey the law and discipline)
按章办事 (Do things according to the rules)
违反规定 (Violate regulations)
循规蹈矩 (To follow the rules to a fault/docile)
墨守成规 (Stick to old conventions/uncreative)
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