Expressing “on the basis of…” with 按照 and 依照
These prepositions indicate some standard, idea, or basis for which an action takes place.
The prepositions 按 and 按照
The preposition 按照 
is usually stated before words like “customs”, “rules”, “requirements”, “plans”.
For example: “according to the custom”, “according to the rules”.
is usually stated before words like “customs”, “rules”, “requirements”, “plans”.
For example: “according to the custom”, “according to the rules”. Pay attention
We use 按照 to emphasize that the action is performed according to some standard.
Examples
一切均按照计划进行
Everything is going according to plan
yīqiè jūn ànzhào jìhuà jìnxíng
按照习俗在赌场要穿晚礼服
It is a tradition to wear an evening dress in the casino
ànzhào xísú zài dǔchǎng yào chuān wǎn lǐfú
我们按照他的要求做吧
Let's do it according to his request
wǒmen ànzhào tā de yāoqiú zuò ba
Pay attention
In colloquial speech, we can shorten 按照 to 按 or 照.
After 按照, we can only state nouns or word combinations consisting of two or more syllables.
For example, we can say 按照法律 , but it’s incorrect to say 按照法.
After 按 and 照, we can state either one-syllable or multi-syllable words and phrases.
, but it’s incorrect to say 按照法.
After 按 and 照, we can state either one-syllable or multi-syllable words and phrases.Examples
照目前的趋势
The pricing is based on quality
zhào mùqián de qūshì
既然这样，就按你的意见办吧
In that case, let's do it according to your opinion
jìrán zhèyàng, jiù àn nǐ de yìjiàn bàn ba
费用按固定的费率收取
Fees are charged using a fixed rate
fèiyòng àn gùdìng de fèilǜ shōuqǔ
The prepositions 依 and 依照
依照 emphasizes strict compliance with a pattern or complete obedience to some opinion. It can be used either in formal speech when talking about laws and rules or in colloquial speech when talking about habits and plans.
emphasizes strict compliance with a pattern or complete obedience to some opinion. It can be used either in formal speech when talking about laws and rules or in colloquial speech when talking about habits and plans.
Pay attention
After 依照, we can only state nouns or word combinations that consist of two or more syllables.
Examples
依照学校的规定，她要被开除学籍
According to the school's rules, she will be expelled from school
yīzhào xuéxiào de guīdìng, tā yào bèi kāichú xuéjí
我依照经理的意思而做的
I did it according to the manager's wish
wǒ yīzhào jīnglǐ de yìsi ér zuò de
依照中国习惯，除夕晚上家里人都一起吃春卷
According to Chinese custom, families eat spring rolls together on New Year's Eve
yīzhào zhōngguó xíguàn, chúxì wǎnshàng jiālǐ rén dōu yìqǐ chī chūnjuǎn
Pay attention
We also can shorten 依照 to 依.
After 依, we can state either one-syllable or multi-syllable words and phrases.
Examples
依法惩处
Punishment according to the law
yī fǎ chéngchǔ