A2 Collocation Neutral 4 min read

解除

jiechu

To unblock/remove

Literally: {"\u89e3":"untie, solve, resolve, unblock","\u9664":"remove, eliminate, except"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Lifts bans, restrictions, or negative states.
  • Used for resolving problems or ending obligations.
  • More formal than 'cancel' or 'stop'.
  • Think 'release' or 'unblock'.

Meaning

Think of `解除` as hitting the 'release' button on something that was stuck, banned, or causing trouble. It's about making things free again, whether it's a restriction, a problem, or even a negative feeling. It carries a sense of relief and positive change, like finally getting out of a tough spot.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Texting a friend about a canceled event

太好了,他们终于把演唱会的禁令解除了!

Great! They finally lifted the ban on the concert!

2

Reading a news headline

政府宣布解除对边境的旅行限制。

The government announced the lifting of travel restrictions on the border.

3

Discussing a contract

我需要找律师帮我解除这份合同。

I need to find a lawyer to help me terminate this contract.

🌍

Cultural Background

The concept of `解除` reflects a cultural value placed on order and resolution. In historical contexts, official decrees often involved lifting restrictions or punishments. The phrase likely evolved to formalize the act of ending such official measures, providing a clear way to announce that a state of restriction or trouble was over. It signifies a return to normalcy or a new phase after a period of control or difficulty.

💡

Think 'Release' or 'Unblock'

When you're unsure if `解除` fits, ask yourself: Is something being officially released from a restriction, or a problem being definitively resolved? If yes, `解除` is likely your word!

💬

Echoes of Officialdom

Historically, `解除` was often used in official pronouncements ending states of emergency or legal restrictions. This formal tone still lingers, making it suitable for serious contexts.

In 15 Seconds

  • Lifts bans, restrictions, or negative states.
  • Used for resolving problems or ending obligations.
  • More formal than 'cancel' or 'stop'.
  • Think 'release' or 'unblock'.

What It Means

解除 is a super useful Chinese phrase. It basically means to lift or remove a restriction, a ban, or a difficult situation. Imagine something being blocked or stuck, and then 解除 makes it free again. It’s often about resolving a problem or ending something negative. It feels like a sigh of relief when a burden is lifted. You’ll see it used in many different contexts, from official announcements to everyday conversations.

How To Use It

You use 解除 when you want to talk about making something stop being restricted or problematic. It’s a verb, so it usually comes after the subject and before the object it’s affecting. For instance, you can 解除 a ban, 解除 an obligation, or even 解除 a feeling of fear. It’s a bit like saying 'to resolve' or 'to terminate' a restriction. It’s not super casual, but not overly formal either. It fits nicely in many situations.

Real-Life Examples

  • The government might 解除 travel restrictions.
  • Your phone might have a software lock that needs to be 解除d.
  • You can 解除 a contract if you’re unhappy with it.
  • A doctor might help you 解除 pain or discomfort.
  • You can 解除 a friend from a boring task.
  • A tense situation can finally be 解除d.

When To Use It

Use 解除 when you're talking about ending a restriction or a negative state. Think about lifting a ban, canceling a quarantine, or removing an obligation. It's perfect for situations where something was imposed and now needs to be taken away. It’s also great for resolving problems or issues that were causing stress. For example, if you have a contract that's binding you, you can 解除 it. Or if you're feeling anxious, you might seek ways to 解除 that feeling. It’s about making things right again.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use 解除 for everyday cleaning or tidying up. You wouldn't say you 解除 your room or 解除 the dishes. That’s more like 打扫 (dǎsǎo - to clean) or 收拾 (shōushi - to tidy up). Also, avoid using it for simple removal of objects, like taking a book off a shelf. That’s just 拿下来 (ná xiàlái - to take down). 解除 implies something more formal or serious being lifted. It’s not for casual, physical actions. So, no 解除ing your dirty socks from the floor, please!

Common Mistakes

  • 解除 the door → ✓ 打开 (dǎkāi - to open) the door
  • 解除 the trash → ✓ 扔掉 (rēngdiào - to throw away) the trash
  • 解除 a friend → ✓ 摆脱 (bǎituō - to get rid of/shake off) a persistent friend (if that's what you mean!)
  • 解除 the rain → ✓ 停止 (tíngzhǐ - to stop) the rain

Similar Expressions

  • 取消 (qǔxiāo): This means to cancel. It’s often used for events, orders, or appointments. 取消 is more general than 解除. You can 取消 a meeting, but you 解除 a ban.
  • 停止 (tíngzhǐ): This means to stop. It’s used for actions or processes. You can 停止 working or 停止 crying. 解除 is about removing a state of being restricted.
  • 免除 (miǎnchú): This means to exempt or relieve someone from something, often an obligation or punishment. It's similar to 解除 but focuses more on exempting a person.

Common Variations

  • 解除合同 (jiěchú hétong): To terminate a contract. This is a very common collocation.
  • 解除警报 (jiěchú jǐngbào): To lift an alarm or alert.
  • 解除禁令 (jiěchú jìn lìng): To lift an injunction or ban.
  • 解除武装 (jiěchú wǔzhuāng): To disarm. This is a more specific, often military or political context.

Memory Trick

💡

Picture a tiny superhero named 'Jie' (解) who is a master at untying knots and solving puzzles. His sidekick is 'Chu' (除), who zaps away any lingering problems. Together, Jie and Chu 解除 (jiěchú) all sorts of restrictions and troubles. When you see 解除, imagine Jie untying a big knot and Chu making the problem disappear like magic! It's like they're unblocking the path forward.

Quick FAQ

  • Can 解除 be used for feelings? Yes, you can 解除 feelings like anxiety or fear.
  • Is it formal? It's generally neutral but can lean formal in official contexts.
  • What's the opposite? There isn't one single perfect opposite, but 实施 (shíshī - to implement) or 建立 (jiànlì - to establish) a restriction could be considered opposites in certain contexts.

Usage Notes

`解除` is a versatile verb, generally neutral in formality but often carrying a more serious or official tone than simple 'cancel' or 'stop' verbs. Be mindful not to use it for everyday physical actions like cleaning or opening things, as this is a common pitfall for learners.

💡

Think 'Release' or 'Unblock'

When you're unsure if `解除` fits, ask yourself: Is something being officially released from a restriction, or a problem being definitively resolved? If yes, `解除` is likely your word!

💬

Echoes of Officialdom

Historically, `解除` was often used in official pronouncements ending states of emergency or legal restrictions. This formal tone still lingers, making it suitable for serious contexts.

⚠️

Avoid the 'Cleaning' Trap!

A common mistake is using `解除` for physical cleaning. Remember, you don't `解除` dust or dishes! Stick to verbs like `擦` (cā) or `打扫` (dǎsǎo) for tidying up.

🎯

Contractual Clarity

The phrase `解除合同` (jiěchú hétong) is super common and important in business and legal settings. Knowing this specific collocation will boost your professional Chinese!

Examples

10
#1 Texting a friend about a canceled event

太好了,他们终于把演唱会的禁令解除了!

Great! They finally lifted the ban on the concert!

Here, `解除` is used to talk about lifting an official restriction (a ban) on an event.

#2 Reading a news headline

政府宣布解除对边境的旅行限制。

The government announced the lifting of travel restrictions on the border.

This is a formal usage, common in news reports about government actions.

#3 Discussing a contract

我需要找律师帮我解除这份合同。

I need to find a lawyer to help me terminate this contract.

`解除合同` is a standard phrase for ending a contract legally.

#4 Sharing good news on social media

终于解除隔离了,我可以出去玩啦!🥳

Finally out of quarantine, I can go out and have fun! 🥳

A relatable modern scenario, showing the relief of ending a restriction.

#5 Talking about a difficult situation

经过这次谈话,我们之间的误会终于解除了。

After this conversation, the misunderstanding between us has finally been resolved.

Here, `解除` refers to resolving a negative emotional state or issue.

Mistake: Trying to open something physical Common Mistake

✗ 我需要解除这个盒子。 → ✓ 我需要打开这个盒子。

✗ I need to unblock this box. → ✓ I need to open this box.

`解除` is not used for simply opening physical objects.

Mistake: Talking about cleaning Common Mistake

✗ 请帮我解除一下桌子。 → ✓ 请帮我擦一下桌子。

✗ Please help me unblock the table. → ✓ Please help me wipe the table.

`解除` doesn't mean 'to clean'. Use `擦` (cā) or `打扫` (dǎsǎo) instead.

#8 Job interview context

我们希望解除前任雇主设置的保密协议限制。

We hope to lift the confidentiality restrictions imposed by the former employer.

Used in a professional setting to discuss ending contractual obligations.

#9 Gaming context

快帮我解除这个debuff!我快挂了!

Quick, help me remove this debuff! I'm about to die!

In gaming, 'debuff' is a negative status effect, fitting the 'removing a negative state' meaning.

#10 Personal reflection

运动后,我感觉身体的疲劳感都解除了一半。

After exercising, I felt half of the fatigue in my body was gone.

Describes the removal of a negative physical sensation.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct word.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 解除

`解除` is used here to mean lifting a lockdown or blockade, which is a type of restriction.

Choose the sentence that uses '解除' correctly.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们可以解除这个合同。

While '解除手机锁' (lift phone lock) is possible, '解除合同' (terminate contract) is a very common and correct usage. '解除坏习惯' is less common than '改掉' (gǎidiào - change/quit), and '解除桌子上的灰尘' is incorrect; you would '擦' (cā - wipe) dust.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`解除` is for lifting restrictions or resolving problems, not for removing viruses. `清除` (qīngchú - clear/eliminate) is the correct word for dealing with viruses.

Translate this sentence into Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`解除` is the appropriate verb for lifting formal restrictions like sanctions.

Fill in the blank with the correct word.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 解除了

While '解决' (jiějué - solve) is also possible, '解除僵局' (jiěchú jiāngjú - break a stalemate/deadlock) is a common collocation, implying the removal of a stuck situation.

Choose the sentence that uses '解除' correctly.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他解除了她的疑虑。

`解除疑虑` (jiěchú yílǜ - to allay doubts/suspicions) is a correct usage, meaning to remove a negative feeling or uncertainty. The other options use `解除` incorrectly.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`解除` is not used for fixing technical issues like security vulnerabilities. `修复` (xiūfù - repair/fix) is the correct term.

Translate this sentence into Chinese.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`解除` works well here to describe removing or alleviating a stressful state or pressure.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

This sentence structure means 'I want to terminate this contract.' `解除合同` is a common collocation.

Fill in the blank with the correct word.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 解除了

`解除抑郁` (jiěchú yìyù - to relieve/resolve depression) is a valid, though perhaps slightly less common than `克服` (kèfú - overcome) or `摆脱` (bǎituō - get rid of), way to express freeing oneself from a negative mental state.

Choose the sentence that uses '解除' correctly.

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他解除了这个警告。

`解除警告` (jiěchú jǐnggào - to lift a warning) is a correct usage, similar to lifting a ban. The others are incorrect; you'd 'solve' a puzzle (`解开谜题`), 'get rid of' trouble (`摆脱麻烦`), or 'play' a game (`玩游戏`).

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

`解除` means to lift a restriction or resolve a problem, not to open a package. `打开` (dǎkāi - open) is the correct verb here.

🎉 Score: /12

Visual Learning Aids

Formality Spectrum of 解除

Very Informal

Rarely used in this register; might sound awkward.

✗ 我解除了我的袜子。

Informal

Can be used in casual conversation, especially for relatable situations like ending quarantine.

终于解除隔离了!

Neutral

Standard usage, suitable for most everyday and slightly formal contexts.

他们解除了旅行限制。

Formal

Common in official announcements, legal documents, and news reports.

政府宣布解除禁令。

Where You'll Encounter 解除

解除 (jiěchú)
🏛️

Government Announcements

解除封锁

📜

Legal/Contracts

解除合同

😌

Personal Well-being

解除疑虑

✈️

Travel News

解除限制

⚕️

Health Updates

解除隔离

🎮

Gaming

解除debuff

解除 vs. Similar Words

解除 (jiěchú)
解除合同 Terminate a contract
解除限制 Lift restrictions
取消 (qǔxiāo)
取消会议 Cancel a meeting
取消订单 Cancel an order
停止 (tíngzhǐ)
停止工作 Stop working
停止下雨 Stop raining

Categories of Usage for 解除

👑

Official Decrees

  • 解除禁令
  • 解除封锁
  • 解除警报
💼

Legal & Business

  • 解除合同
  • 解除协议
  • 解除债务
😌

Personal Relief

  • 解除疑虑
  • 解除压力
  • 解除隔离
⚙️

Technical/Specific

  • 解除武装
  • 解除debuff
  • 解除锁定

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct word. Fill Blank beginner

政府决定____对该地区的封锁。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 解除

`解除` is used here to mean lifting a lockdown or blockade, which is a type of restriction.

Choose the sentence that uses '解除' correctly. Choose beginner

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们可以解除这个合同。

While '解除手机锁' (lift phone lock) is possible, '解除合同' (terminate contract) is a very common and correct usage. '解除坏习惯' is less common than '改掉' (gǎidiào - change/quit), and '解除桌子上的灰尘' is incorrect; you would '擦' (cā - wipe) dust.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

我需要解除我的电脑病毒。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我需要清除我的电脑病毒。

`解除` is for lifting restrictions or resolving problems, not for removing viruses. `清除` (qīngchú - clear/eliminate) is the correct word for dealing with viruses.

Translate this sentence into Chinese. Translate intermediate

The company decided to lift the sanctions.

Hints: Think about 'lift' or 'remove' in a formal context., What is the Chinese word for 'sanctions'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 公司决定解除制裁。

`解除` is the appropriate verb for lifting formal restrictions like sanctions.

Fill in the blank with the correct word. Fill Blank intermediate

经过长时间的谈判,双方终于____了僵局。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 解除了

While '解决' (jiějué - solve) is also possible, '解除僵局' (jiěchú jiāngjú - break a stalemate/deadlock) is a common collocation, implying the removal of a stuck situation.

Choose the sentence that uses '解除' correctly. Choose intermediate

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他解除了她的疑虑。

`解除疑虑` (jiěchú yílǜ - to allay doubts/suspicions) is a correct usage, meaning to remove a negative feeling or uncertainty. The other options use `解除` incorrectly.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

我们需要解除这个系统的安全漏洞。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我们需要修复这个系统的安全漏洞。

`解除` is not used for fixing technical issues like security vulnerabilities. `修复` (xiūfù - repair/fix) is the correct term.

Translate this sentence into Chinese. Translate advanced

He managed to alleviate the pressure he was under.

Hints: Think of 'alleviate' as removing a burden., The pressure was a negative state.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他设法解除了他承受的压力。

`解除` works well here to describe removing or alleviating a stressful state or pressure.

Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence. Reorder advanced

Arrange the words in the correct order:

Click words above to build the sentence

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 我想解除这份合同。

This sentence structure means 'I want to terminate this contract.' `解除合同` is a common collocation.

Fill in the blank with the correct word. Fill Blank advanced

经过心理治疗,她终于____了长期的抑郁。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 解除了

`解除抑郁` (jiěchú yìyù - to relieve/resolve depression) is a valid, though perhaps slightly less common than `克服` (kèfú - overcome) or `摆脱` (bǎituō - get rid of), way to express freeing oneself from a negative mental state.

Choose the sentence that uses '解除' correctly. Choose advanced

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 他解除了这个警告。

`解除警告` (jiěchú jǐnggào - to lift a warning) is a correct usage, similar to lifting a ban. The others are incorrect; you'd 'solve' a puzzle (`解开谜题`), 'get rid of' trouble (`摆脱麻烦`), or 'play' a game (`玩游戏`).

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix advanced

Find and fix the mistake:

请帮我解除这个包裹。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 请帮我打开这个包裹。

`解除` means to lift a restriction or resolve a problem, not to open a package. `打开` (dǎkāi - open) is the correct verb here.

🎉 Score: /12

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

At its heart, 解除 means to lift or remove a restriction, ban, or negative state. Think of it as hitting an 'undo' button on something that was imposed or problematic, bringing about a resolution or freedom.

Yes, absolutely! You can 解除 feelings like worries (疑虑), pressure (压力), or even fear (恐惧). It signifies overcoming or releasing oneself from these negative emotional burdens.

解除 is generally considered neutral, but it leans towards formal, especially in official contexts like government announcements or legal documents. It's not typically used for very casual, everyday actions like cleaning or opening a door.

Use 解除 when you are removing a restriction, ban, or a negative state that was actively in place, like lifting a lockdown (解除封锁) or terminating a contract (解除合同). Use 取消 (qǔxiāo) for canceling planned events, orders, or appointments (取消会议, 取消订单).

停止 (tíngzhǐ) simply means 'to stop' an action or process, like stopping work (停止工作) or stopping rain (停止下雨). 解除 implies removing a restriction or a problem that was preventing something, like lifting a ban (解除禁令) so that activities can resume.

Definitely! Think about social media or daily life: '终于解除隔离了,我可以出去玩啦!' (Finally out of quarantine, I can go out and have fun!). This shows the relief and freedom associated with ending a restriction.

In business and legal settings, 解除 is quite common and carries a neutral to formal tone. Phrases like 解除合同 (terminate contract) or 解除协议 (rescind agreement) are standard professional language.

A frequent error is using 解除 for simple physical actions like opening a box (打开盒子) or cleaning a table (擦桌子). 解除 specifically refers to lifting restrictions or resolving problems, not basic physical tasks.

There isn't one single perfect opposite, but in context, verbs like 实施 (shíshī - to implement/carry out) or 建立 (jiànlì - to establish/set up) restrictions could be considered opposites. For example, you 解除 a ban, and before that, someone might have 实施d the ban.

解除武装 (jiěchú wǔzhuāng) specifically means 'to disarm'. It refers to the act of taking away weapons, often used in military or political contexts, like soldiers being ordered to disarm.

Yes, it can be used in tech contexts, especially for things like unlocking devices (解除锁定) or removing restrictions imposed by software. However, for fixing bugs or viruses, 修复 (xiūfù - repair) or 清除 (qīngchú - clear) are more common.

解除 is about removing a restriction or problem. 免除 (miǎnchú) is more about exempting someone from an obligation, duty, or punishment. You might 解除 a contract, but you'd 免除 someone from paying a fine.

In gaming, 解除 is often used to describe removing negative status effects, known as 'debuffs'. For example, a player might ask a teammate to '解除这个debuff' (remove this debuff).

No, that sounds very strange and potentially harsh! You wouldn't use 解除 to describe ending a friendship. You might say 断绝关系 (duànjué guānxì - sever ties) or simply 不联系了 (bù liánxì le - stop contacting).

The phrase reflects a cultural emphasis on resolution and returning to order. Historically, official decrees to lift restrictions were significant, and 解除 provides a formal term for such transitions, signifying the end of a difficult period.

Yes, although 打破僵局 (dǎpò jiāngjú - break the deadlock) is more common, you might hear 解除僵局 (jiěchú jiāngjú) in certain contexts, meaning to resolve a stalemate or impasse.

Imagine a superhero duo: 'Jie' unties knots and 'Chu' zaps problems away. Together they 解除 all sorts of restrictions! It’s like unblocking the path forward.

The most common way to say 'lift the ban' is 解除禁令 (jiěchú jìn lìng). This clearly conveys the meaning of removing an official prohibition.

Related Phrases

🔄

取消

synonym

To cancel

Both `解除` and `取消` involve stopping something, but `解除` is typically used for restrictions or negative states, while `取消` is for planned events or orders.

🔗

停止

related topic

To stop

`停止` means to cease an action, whereas `解除` implies removing a pre-existing restriction that prevents action.

🔗

免除

related topic

To exempt, relieve from

`免除` focuses on relieving someone of an obligation or duty, while `解除` broadly removes a restriction or problem.

🔗

撤销

related topic

To revoke, withdraw

`撤销` is often used for revoking decisions, charges, or previous statements, similar to `解除` in ending something officially.

🔗

解除合同

related topic

To terminate a contract

This is a very common and specific collocation using `解除`, highlighting its use in legal and business contexts.

🔗

解开

related topic

To untie, solve (a puzzle)

Both `解除` and `解开` start with '解' (untie/solve), but `解开` is typically for physical knots or simpler problems, while `解除` handles broader restrictions.

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