‘细则’ (xì zé) is a compound noun meaning ‘detailed rules’ or ‘bylaws’—specific, operational provisions that elaborate on broader laws, regulations, or policies. The first character 细 (xì) means ‘fine’, ‘detailed’, or ‘minute’, while 则 (zé) means ‘rule’, ‘principle’, or ‘regulation’. Together, they convey the idea of granular, actionable guidelines that clarify how a general rule should be implemented in practice.

This term is commonly used in formal, institutional, or administrative contexts—such as government documents, corporate governance, academic policies, or housing management agreements. It implies authority and binding force, though it ranks below higher-level legislation (e.g., 法律 fǎlǜ or 条例 tiáolì). Unlike informal guidelines, 细则 are typically published, numbered, and legally enforceable within their scope. Learners should note that 细则 is almost always used in written, official registers—not in casual speech—and rarely appears without a preceding noun specifying its domain (e.g., ‘考试细则’ for ‘exam regulations’).