no-smoking in principle; smoking ban as a rule
Refers to a policy or rule that smoking is prohibited in principle, often used in signs or regulations. It implies that smoking is generally not allowed, though exceptions may exist.
This facility is non-smoking in principle.
Even in offices with a no-smoking rule, a smoking room may be provided.
禁煙 simply means 'no smoking' or 'smoking prohibition', while 原則禁煙 adds the nuance of 'in principle', suggesting possible exceptions.
完全禁煙 means 'completely non-smoking' with no exceptions, whereas 原則禁煙 allows for designated smoking areas or special circumstances.
Compound of 原則 (principle) and 禁煙 (no smoking). The term is a straightforward combination of these two words.