章程

zhāng chéng

rules

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Understanding 章程

The word 章程 refers to formal rules or regulations, often written and established by organizations, companies, schools, or associations. It is a compound of (chapter, section) and (process, rules), emphasizing structured and official guidelines.

Usage and Context

章程 is commonly used in formal contexts where official rules or bylaws are discussed. For example, a company’s 章程 outlines employee rights and responsibilities, or an association’s 章程 governs membership and meetings. It is not used for casual rules but for formal, documented regulations.

Common Collocations

  • 公司章程 (company rules): official regulations governing a company’s operation.
  • 协会章程 (association bylaws): rules for an organization or club.
  • 学校章程 (school regulations): rules set by educational institutions.

Tips

章程 is often found in legal or administrative documents. It differs from 规则 (rules) in that 章程 usually refers to a formal, written set of rules, often with legal force, while 规则 can be more general or informal. Avoid using 章程 in casual conversations about everyday rules.

Summary

Use 章程 when referring to official, written regulations of an organization or institution. It conveys formality and authority, making it essential vocabulary for discussing governance, policies, and formal procedures.

Example Sentences

公司的章程规定了员工的权利和义务。

Gōngsī de zhāngchéng guīdìngle yuángōng de quánlì hé yìwù.

The company's rules stipulate the rights and obligations of employees.

我们需要先阅读协会的章程,才能参加会议。

Wǒmen xūyào xiān yuèdú xiéhuì de zhāngchéng, cáinéng cānjiā huìyì.

We need to read the association's rules first before attending the meeting.

学校的章程明确禁止学生在校园内吸烟。

Xuéxiào de zhāngchéng míngquè jìnzhǐ xuéshēng zài xiàoyuán nèi xīyān.

The school's regulations clearly prohibit students from smoking on campus.