按照
Pattern
按照 + rule / plan / method + action
Key words
Core idea
按照 introduces the rule, plan, method, or instruction that guides an action. It often translates as “according to” or “in accordance with.”
It is useful in instructions, plans, rules, and explanations of how something should be done.
Word order note
Put 按照 before the standard being followed. The action usually comes after that phrase.
Examples
请按照说明做。
Qǐng ànzhào shuōmíng zuò.
Please do it according to the instructions.
我们按照计划出发。
Wǒmen ànzhào jìhuà chūfā.
We set out according to the plan.
按照老师的话，你要多练习。
Ànzhào lǎoshī de huà, nǐ yào duō liànxí.
According to the teacher, you need to practice more.
Common mistakes
Avoid
请说明按照做。
Use
请按照说明做。
按照 comes before the rule, plan, method, or instruction.
Seen in stories
The Sponsor in the Background
社长按照合同要求，把饮料放在桌子左边。
Following the contract requirements, the president places the drink on the left side of the table.
The Sponsor in the Background
摄影同学按照品牌手册调了灯光。
The camera student adjusts the lighting according to the brand manual.
The Sponsor in the Background
主持人也按照台词，在开头感谢赞助商。
The host also thanks the sponsor at the beginning according to the script.
The Sponsor in the Background
社长脸都红了，因为他们按照流程检查了桌子，却没人检查后面。
The president blushes because they checked the table according to the procedure, but nobody checked behind them.
The Sponsor in the Background
新的要求只有一句：下次请按照这次的错误再来一次。
The new requirement is only one sentence: next time, please repeat this mistake according to what happened this time.
Show 2 more story examples
The Comment Section Plan
他按照清单重新测试设备，越测越放心。
He tested the equipment again according to the checklist, and the more he tested, the more at ease he felt.
The Wrong Locker Code
她按照短信来到小区快递柜，却发现柜门里只有一袋猫粮。
She followed the text message to the community delivery locker, but found only a bag of cat food inside.