Meaning of 原理
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- principle
- theory
How to use 原理
原理 is used for the underlying mechanism or scientific basis of something, often with 的 before it, like 工作原理 (how something works). Example: 这台机器的原理很简单。(Zhè tái jīqì de yuánlǐ hěn jiǎndān.) The principle behind this machine is simple.
原 (yuán) means original or source, as in 原因 (yuányīn), and 理 (lǐ) means reason or logic, as in 道理 (dàolǐ). Put them together and you get the source reason behind how something works: a principle.
Common mistake: Learners often use 原理 for moral or personal principles, but that is usually 原则 (yuánzé), as in 我有我的原则 (I have my principles). 原理 is for how things work, not rules you live by.
原理 in example sentences
Real sentences from the Tatoeba project, with pinyin and English.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
原 yuán · former · 10 strokes
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理 lǐ · texture · 11 strokes
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Related words
Words that share a character with 原理.
| 原因 | yuányīn | cause; origin |
| 原来 | yuánlái | original; former; originally; formerly; at first |
| 道理 | dàolǐ | reason; argument |
| 经理 | jīnglǐ | manager; director |
| 理想 | lǐxiǎng | an ideal; a dream |
| 处理 | chǔlǐ | to handle; to deal with; to punish |
| 理解 | lǐjiě | to comprehend; to understand |
| 理由 | lǐyóu | reason; grounds |
| 理论 | lǐlùn | theory; to argue |
| 管理 | guǎnlǐ | to supervise; to manage |
| 整理 | zhěnglǐ | to arrange; to tidy up |
| 合理 | hélǐ | rational; reasonable; sensible; fair |
Questions about 原理
What does 原理 mean?
原理 (yuánlǐ) means "principle; theory" and is used as a noun.
How do you write 原理?
原理 is made of 2 characters: 原 (10 strokes), 理 (11 strokes). That is 21 strokes in total.
Is 原理 an HSK word?
Yes. 原理 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
What is the difference between 原理 and 道理?
原理 is a formal, often scientific principle explaining how something works. 道理 is everyday reasoning or common sense, as in 你说得有道理 (What you say makes sense).
Can 原理 be used in casual conversation?
Yes, especially when asking how something works, for example 这是什么原理？(What is the principle behind this?). It still sounds a bit technical, so it fits topics like science, machines, or magic tricks.