The words principle and principal are pronounced in the same way but they do not have the same meaning.

Principle和principal发音相同并且都是名词，但是它们的意思却完全不同

Principal

Principal is a noun meaning chief or head.

principal是一个名词，意为“首领”或“领导”。

The principal of the middle school was strict but kind.

这所中学的校长很严厉，但也很和蔼。

It can also be an adjective meaning highest in rank:

它也可以是一个形容词，意思是“最主要的”。

The president plays the principal role in governing the country.

总统在治理国家中起着主要作用。

Principle

Principle is only a noun and generally refers to a natural, moral, legal rule or standard.

Principle只是一个名词，一般指自然的、道德的、法律的规则或标准。

Students must follow the basic principles of good behavior.

学生必须遵守行为准则。

Remember the Difference

A great way to remember the differences between principle versus principal is found in the last three letters of each word.

记住principle和principal的区别的一个好方法主要在每个单词的最后三个字母。

Someone who is a “princi-P-A-L” should be looked at as your “pal.” Only people can be “pals” and principal refers to people, whereas “princi-P-L-E” refers to truths, rules, or standards. A truth or standard cannot be your “pal.”

“princi-P-A-L”应该被视为你的“pal（朋友）”。只有人可以成为“pals”，principal指的是人，而“princi-P-L-E”指的是真理、规则或标准。真理或标准不能成为你的“pal”。

You can also remember the mnemonic, “The principal has his principles.”

你也可以记住这样一句话：校长有他的原则。