# 约法三章

yuē fǎ sān zhāng

Set a few clear basic rules

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Agree on three laws

**Traditional Chinese:** 約法三章

**Register:** Practical · general

[People & connection](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/relationships)

## When to use it

Describe an initial agreement about conduct or boundaries.

Modern use need not involve exactly three rules.

## Understanding the expression

A short set of agreed rules provides a simple foundation before people begin sharing an activity or space. The expression often appears between roommates, parents and children, or project partners. Its value lies in making expectations clear early. The number is usually conventional rather than a strict requirement. The rules should be fair and understood by everyone; merely imposing demands without discussion may miss the cooperative sense of establishing an agreement.

## Examples

合租前，我们先约法三章。

### Traditional Chinese

合租前，我們先約法三章。

hé zū qián ， wǒ men xiān yuē fǎ sān zhāng 。

We agreed on basic rules before sharing a home.

出发前，家长和孩子约法三章。

### Traditional Chinese

出發前，家長和孩子約法三章。

chū fā qián ， jiā zhǎng hé hái zi yuē fǎ sān zhāng 。

Parents and children set basic rules before departure.

合作开始时，双方约法三章。

### Traditional Chinese

合作開始時，雙方約法三章。

hé zuò kāi shǐ shí ， shuāng fāng yuē fǎ sān zhāng 。

The partners agreed on ground rules at the start.

别只口头约法三章，重要事项要写下来。

### Traditional Chinese

別隻口頭約法三章，重要事項要寫下來。

bié zhī kǒu tóu yuē fǎ sān zhāng ， zhòng yào shì xiàng yào xiě xià lái 。

Write important rules down rather than only agreeing verbally.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E7%B4%84%E6%B3%95%E4%B8%89%E7%AB%A0)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=588&webMd=1&la=0)

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