遵守 (zūn shǒu) is a compound verb meaning 'to obey' or 'to comply with' — especially formal rules, laws, regulations, instructions, or agreements. The first character 遵 (zūn) means 'to follow respectfully' or 'to adhere to', carrying a sense of deference and intentionality; the second character 守 (shǒu) means 'to guard', 'to uphold', or 'to maintain', emphasizing active commitment and responsibility. Together, they convey not just passive compliance but conscientious, sustained adherence.

This word is commonly used in formal, official, or institutional contexts — such as legal documents, school policies, workplace guidelines, public health advisories, or medical instructions. It’s rarely used for casual or personal preferences (e.g., you wouldn’t say 遵守我的建议); instead, it applies to authoritative, binding, or socially expected standards. Native speakers often pair it with nouns like 规则 (guīzé, 'rules'), 法律 (fǎlǜ, 'laws'), 纪律 (jìlǜ, 'discipline'), or 医嘱 (yīzhǔ, 'doctor’s orders').