原則|げんそくgensoku[0]heiban (flat)

1. nounprinciple; general rule
   ずっと昔むかしからこの原則げんそくは認みとめられてきた。↗

   Years ago this principle was widely recognized.
2. noun, adverbas a rule; in principle; in general

• Synonym原理げんりWrittenWritten register. Refers to fundamental principles or mechanisms behind things, as in 「てこの原理」; 「原則」 is a basic rule you follow in action.
• Synonym法ほうFormalFormal. Means law, and also method; 「原則」 is a basic policy for action.
• Synonym本則ほんそくFormalFormal. The main provisions of a law, as opposed to supplementary provisions; 「原則」 is a general principle.
• SynonymプリンシプルFormalFormal loanword for the principles one lives and acts by, with a personal-creed flavor; 「原則」 is a general rule for action.
• Synonym準則じゅんそくFormalFormal. Standards or guidelines within a specific field, as in 「会計準則」; 「原則」 is broader and more fundamental.
• Synonym規矩きくWrittenWritten register. Means rules and standards, literally compass and ruler; rare, and 「規範」 or 「原則」 is normally used.
• RelatedルールNeutralNeutral loanword for rules such as 「交通ルール」 or 「職場のルール」; 「原則」 is more fundamental.
• Related法則ほうそくWrittenWritten register. Refers to natural or scientific laws, as in 「万有引力の法則」; 「原則」 is a rule for conduct, not a law of nature.
• Related規則きそくNeutralNeutral. Concrete regulations such as school rules; 「原則」 is a basic policy rather than a specific set of rules.
• Related規律きりつWrittenWritten register. Means discipline and order; 「原則」 is a basic guideline for action.
• Related道理どうりNeutralNeutral. Refers to reason or what is right and sensible; 「原則」 is an established policy one follows.
• Related定めさだめWrittenWritten register. Covers provisions and also destiny or fate; 「原則」 is a basic rule for action.
• Related掟おきてWrittenWritten register. Traditional rules of a village or group; 「原則」 is a general basic guideline.
• Related決まりきまりCasualColloquial. Everyday word for rules and customs; 「原則」 sounds more formal.
• Related基準きじゅんNeutralNeutral. A standard or criterion used for judging things; 「原則」 is a guideline you follow in conduct.
• Related規定きていNeutralNeutral. Concrete stipulations or provisions; 「原則」 is a basic policy or guideline.
• Related条例じょうれいFormalFormal. Local ordinances enacted by a municipality; 「原則」 is a general, universal guideline.
• Related律りつWrittenWritten register. Refers to ancient East Asian legal codes or Buddhist monastic rules; archaic, and not interchangeable with 「原則」 in general use.
• Related定まりさだまりNeutralNeutral. Established customs or conventions; rare, with 「決まり」 the usual choice, and it differs from a principle.
• Antonym例外れいがいNeutralNeutral antonym. An exception, the opposite of 「原則」, as in 「原則として〜、例外もある」.

Use 「原則」 for a basic rule or policy that guides action, as in 「原則として」. For fundamental principles or mechanisms choose 「原理」, for natural or scientific laws 「法則」, and for concrete regulations 「規則」 or 「ルール」. 「基準」 is a standard for judgment, 「規律」 discipline and order, 「決まり」 the colloquial word for rules and customs, and 「例外」 the opposite of 「原則」. The remaining terms are rarer or more specialized.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

1. 基本的きほんてきな法則ほうそく・規則きそく。