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B2 verb #9,000 most common 9 min read

制衡

zhiheng Top 9,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 制衡 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 制衡 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '制衡' is too advanced for daily conversation. However, you can think of it as a very special kind of 'balance.' Imagine two people on a seesaw (跷跷板). If one person is too heavy, the seesaw doesn't work. They need to 'check' each other to stay in the middle. In Chinese, we use '制衡' for big things like kings and laws, or big companies. For now, just remember it means 'to keep things fair by not letting one person have all the power.' You won't need to use it yet, but you might see it in news headlines about world leaders. It is a formal word. Most A1 students will use the word '平衡' (pínghéng) for 'balance' instead, which is perfectly fine for simple sentences like 'I balance my books.'

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn about society and work. '制衡' (zhìhéng) is a word used when talking about rules. Think of a game where no one is allowed to cheat because everyone is watching each other. That 'watching and stopping' is a form of '制衡.' In a company, the boss has power, but the rules '制衡' (check) the boss so they can't be mean to workers. You might see this word in simple news stories. It's made of '制' (to control) and '衡' (to weigh/balance). It's a 'strong' word. You can try to recognize it when people talk about politics. For example, 'The law checks the king' (法律制衡国王). It is still quite formal, so don't worry about using it in a coffee shop!

At the B1 level, you should begin to understand '制衡' as a functional term in organizational and political contexts. It translates to 'checks and balances.' You can use it to describe why a system works well. For instance, in a school, the principal and the teachers '制衡' each other to make sure students are treated fairly. You will notice it often follows the pattern 'A 制衡 B' or 'A 和 B 相互制衡.' This word is very useful if you are writing a simple essay about social rules or business. It sounds much more professional than just saying '限制' (limit) or '控制' (control). It implies that the restriction is a good thing because it creates a 'balance' (衡).

At the B2 level, '制衡' is an essential vocabulary item for discussing complex topics like governance, international relations, and corporate structure. You should be able to use it fluently to describe the 'Separation of Powers' (三权分立). You should understand that '制衡' is not just about stopping someone, but about a systemic design where power is distributed. You can use it to talk about '力量制衡' (balance of power) between countries or '利益制衡' (balance of interests) in a negotiation. At this level, you should also be aware of common collocations like '制衡机制' (mechanism of checks and balances) and '起到制衡作用' (to play a balancing role). You are expected to distinguish it from '制约' (which is more about one-sided restriction) and '平衡' (which is more general).

At the C1 level, you should use '制衡' with nuance, exploring its philosophical and strategic implications. You might use it to discuss the 'mutual check and balance' between the environment and economic development, or the psychological '制衡' between a person's impulses and their moral compass. You should be comfortable using it in academic writing or high-level business reports. You can discuss the 'failure of checks and balances' (制衡失效) and its consequences, such as corruption or systemic collapse. Your sentences should reflect an understanding of how '制衡' maintains the stability of a complex system. You can also use related idioms or more formal structures like '相互制约，相互制衡' to add rhetorical weight to your arguments.

At the C2 level, '制衡' becomes a tool for deep structural analysis. You can use it to deconstruct historical power dynamics, such as the '制衡' between the central government and local authorities in different dynasties. You can analyze the subtle '制衡' in modern international law or the digital economy (e.g., how decentralized finance seeks to '制衡' traditional banking). You should be able to appreciate and use the word in varied registers, from highly technical legal documents to sophisticated literary critiques. At this level, you understand that '制衡' is a fundamental principle of modern civilization's stability, and you can debate its effectiveness in different cultural and political models using precise, varied, and idiomatic Chinese.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

制衡 in 30 Seconds

制衡 means 'checks and balances.' It describes how different powers restrict each other to keep a system stable and fair.
It is a formal word used in politics, law, and business contexts to describe the distribution of power.
The word combines '制' (to restrict) and '衡' (to balance), implying an active process of maintaining equilibrium.
Commonly used in phrases like '相互制衡' (mutual checks) and '制衡机制' (mechanism of checks and balances).

The term 制衡 (zhìhéng) is a sophisticated Chinese verb and noun that translates most accurately to the political and organizational concept of "checks and balances." At its core, it describes a dynamic where different forces, parties, or branches of an organization act to restrict or counteract one another, ensuring that no single entity gains absolute or disproportionate power. While it is deeply rooted in modern political science, its application extends to corporate governance, international relations, and even complex social dynamics. Understanding 制衡 requires looking past simple 'balance' (平衡) to see the active 'restriction' (制约) involved in the process.

Etymological Breakdown: The first character 制 (zhì) implies regulation, control, or restriction. It suggests an active intervention to keep something within bounds. The second character 衡 (héng) refers to a weighing scale or the act of balancing. Together, they create a concept of 'balancing through restriction.'
Political Context: In discussions regarding democracy or government structures, 制衡 is the standard term for the separation of powers. For example, the legislative branch, the executive branch, and the judiciary branch exist in a state of 相互制衡 (mutual check and balance).
Corporate Application: In a business setting, the board of directors is designed to 制衡 the power of the CEO. This ensures that the company's long-term interests are protected against potentially risky short-term decisions by a single leader.

一个健康的民主制度必须具备有效的权力制衡机制。
(A healthy democratic system must possess an effective mechanism of checks and balances of power.)

Historically, the concept of 制衡 has evolved from ancient Chinese legalist thought and Confucian ideals of harmony, though the modern usage is heavily influenced by Western political theory translated into Chinese in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a formal word, rarely used in casual daily conversation unless discussing current events or serious organizational issues. If you are watching the news in Chinese or reading an editorial in the People's Daily or Caixin, you will encounter this word frequently.

In international relations, 制衡 describes how nations form alliances to prevent any one country from becoming a global hegemon. This is often referred to as 大国间的制衡 (checks and balances among great powers). The nuance here is strategic; it’s not just about peace, but about the calculated maintenance of stability through the distribution of power. When you use this word, you are signaling a high level of literacy in political and social science terminology.

公司董事会的作用是制衡管理层的权力。
(The role of the company board is to check and balance the power of the management.)

Using 制衡 (zhìhéng) correctly requires understanding its role as both a verb and a noun. It functions primarily in formal contexts and follows specific grammatical patterns that emphasize the relationship between two or more opposing forces.

Pattern 1: A 制衡 B: This is the most direct verbal use. Entity A acts as a check on Entity B.
Example: 舆论可以有效地制衡政府的权力。(Public opinion can effectively check the power of the government.)
Pattern 2: 相互制衡 (Xiānghù zhìhéng): This describes a reciprocal relationship where multiple parties keep each other in check.
Example: 在这个生态系统中，捕食者和猎物相互制衡。(In this ecosystem, predators and prey check and balance each other.)
Pattern 3: Noun Form (制衡机制/制衡力量): Used as a modifier for mechanisms or forces.
Example: 缺乏有效的制衡机制会导致腐败。(A lack of effective check-and-balance mechanisms leads to corruption.)

在国际政治中，各国通过结盟来实现力量的制衡。
(In international politics, countries achieve a balance of power through alliances.)

When constructing sentences, remember that 制衡 usually implies a positive or necessary systemic restriction. It is rarely used to describe negative suppression (for which you would use 打压 or 限制). Instead, it carries the connotation of maintaining a healthy equilibrium. For instance, in a marriage, you wouldn't say partners 制衡 each other unless you were speaking very clinically about their household decision-making power. In a courtroom, however, the defense and prosecution 相互制衡 to ensure a fair trial.

Furthermore, 制衡 can be used metaphorically in creative writing or philosophy to describe the internal struggle between emotions and reason. For example, "理智与情感的相互制衡" (The mutual check and balance of reason and emotion). This usage adds a layer of intellectual depth to your descriptions of character conflict.

法律的尊严在于它能制衡个人的欲望。
(The dignity of the law lies in its ability to check individual desires.)

The word 制衡 (zhìhéng) is a staple of professional and academic environments. You are unlikely to hear it at a wet market or a casual dinner party, but it dominates several specific spheres of Chinese life and media.

1. News and Current Affairs: Whenever the CCTV (China Central Television) news or major outlets like The Paper (澎湃新闻) discuss foreign elections, geopolitical tensions, or domestic policy reforms, 制衡 is used to explain the structural interactions of power. You'll hear phrases like "三权分立与制衡" (Separation of powers and checks and balances) when they explain the US political system.
2. Business and Management: In MBA classrooms or corporate boardrooms in Shanghai or Shenzhen, executives use 制衡 to discuss internal controls. They might talk about how the financial department must 制衡 the sales department to prevent overspending. It is a key term in 公司治理 (corporate governance).
3. Legal and Academic Lectures: Law students and political science scholars use this word as a foundational concept. It appears in textbooks to describe how laws function to prevent the tyranny of the majority or the overreach of the state.

新闻媒体被视为政府之外的一种制衡力量。
(News media is viewed as a check-and-balance force outside of the government.)

In recent years, with the rise of the tech industry, you might also hear 制衡 in discussions about market monopolies. Regulators often speak about the need to 制衡 the influence of big tech giants to protect small businesses and consumers. This has made the word even more common in financial podcasts and tech blogs.

Historically, the concept is also discussed in the context of the "Imperial Examination System" (科举制度) in ancient China, which was sometimes framed as a way for the emperor to 制衡 the power of hereditary aristocrats by bringing in scholars from diverse backgrounds. So, even in history documentaries, the word is indispensable.

为了防止垄断，市场需要更多的竞争者来相互制衡。
(To prevent monopolies, the market needs more competitors to check and balance each other.)

While 制衡 (zhìhéng) is a powerful word, it is frequently misused by intermediate learners who confuse it with simpler synonyms or apply it to inappropriate contexts. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 平衡 (Pínghéng): This is the most common error. 平衡 is a neutral word meaning "balance," like a physical scale or a balanced diet. 制衡, however, implies an active, often adversarial, restriction. You 平衡 your work and life, but you 制衡 a political rival.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 限制 (Xiànzhì): 限制 means to limit or restrict in a general sense. It can be one-sided (e.g., a speed limit). 制衡 implies a systemic relationship. If a government limits your speed, that's 限制; if the law limits the government's power, that's 制衡.
Mistake 3: Using in Casual Interpersonal Contexts: Using 制衡 to describe a disagreement with a friend sounds overly dramatic or clinical. It sounds like you are treating your friendship like a geopolitical treaty. Use 协调 (coordinate) or 商量 (discuss) instead.

❌ 我需要制衡我的饮食。
(Incorrect: I need to check and balance my diet.)
✅ 我需要平衡我的饮食。
(Correct: I need to balance my diet.)

Another mistake is forgetting the structural nature of 制衡. It usually refers to a system that is designed to have checks. If you say someone is "制衡ing" another person just because they are arguing, you miss the nuance of 'balance'. It must result in a state where neither side can dominate.

Finally, ensure you don't use it as a synonym for 'stopping' something. 制衡 is about regulating and balancing, not necessarily ending or preventing an action entirely. It is about the maintenance of a power structure, not its destruction.

❌ 警察制衡了罪犯。
(Incorrect: The police checked and balanced the criminal.)
✅ 警察制服了罪犯。
(Correct: The police subdued the criminal.)

To truly master 制衡 (zhìhéng), you must be able to distinguish it from other words that deal with power, control, and balance. Here is a comparison with its most common alternatives.

1. 制约 (Zhìyuē) vs. 制衡: 制约 means "to restrict" or "to constrain." It is more about one thing limiting the development or action of another. 制衡 includes this restriction but adds the goal of achieving a stable balance.
Example: 资源匮乏制约了经济发展。(Resource scarcity restricts economic development.)
2. 平衡 (Pínghéng) vs. 制衡: 平衡 is a general term for balance. It can be physical, emotional, or mathematical. It does not necessarily involve power struggles or institutional design.
Example: 老师在努力平衡每个学生的需要。(The teacher is trying to balance every student's needs.)
3. 约束 (Yuēshù) vs. 制衡: 约束 usually refers to binding someone by rules, contracts, or morality. It is more about discipline and compliance than the structural balance of power.
Example: 我们必须约束自己的行为。(We must discipline our own behavior.)
4. 牵制 (Qiānzhì) vs. 制衡: 牵制 means to pin down or tie up an opponent, often used in military or competitive contexts. It is more tactical and aggressive than the institutional 制衡.
Example: 我们的军队成功牵制了敌人的主力。(Our army successfully pinned down the enemy's main force.)

虽然这些词都涉及限制，但只有制衡强调的是通过权力分配来达到稳定。
(While these words all involve restriction, only 'zhìhéng' emphasizes achieving stability through the distribution of power.)

In a formal essay, choosing between 制约 and 制衡 can significantly change your tone. If you want to sound like a critic of a system that is holding someone back, use 制约. If you want to sound like a political theorist discussing the merits of a stable system, use 制衡. This level of precision is what separates a B2 learner from a C1/C2 speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '衡' (héng) originally depicted the horizontal bar of a scale. In ancient times, the '衡' was considered a symbol of justice and heaven's will, which is why it is used in the name of Emperor's tools and high-ranking titles.

Pronunciation Guide

UK t͡ʂɨ˥˩ xɤŋ˧˥

US t͡ʂɨ˥˩ xɤŋ˧˥

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'zhì' due to the falling tone, but the second syllable 'héng' should be clearly articulated.

Rhymes With

更 (gèng) 横 (héng) 层 (céng) 等 (děng) 能 (néng) 冷 (lěng) 诚 (chéng) 正 (zhèng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'zhi' as 'zee'. It should be a retroflex sound.
Using the 1st tone for 'zhi'. It must be the 4th tone (zhì).
Using the 4th tone for 'heng'. It must be the 2nd tone (héng).
Confusing 'heng' with 'hen' (omitting the 'g').
Merging the two syllables too quickly without distinct tones.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in news and formal texts, but requires understanding of abstract concepts.

Writing 4/5

Requires precise usage to avoid confusion with '平衡' or '制约'.

Speaking 3/5

Used in professional settings; not common in daily life.

Listening 4/5

Often heard in fast-paced political or financial broadcasts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

平衡权力机制控制法律

Learn Next

三权分立监督治理博弈霸权

Advanced

相互制约均衡对冲协调统筹

Grammar to Know

Using '相互' (xiānghù) with reciprocal verbs

他们相互制衡。

The 'Verb + 作用' structure

起到制衡作用。

Formal nominalization with '的'

权力的制衡。

Using '旨在' to express purpose in formal writing

此举旨在制衡垄断。

The 'A 对 B 形成...' pattern

舆论对权力形成制衡。

Examples by Level

规则可以制衡力量。

Rules can check power.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object.

我们要学会制衡。

We need to learn to balance (check).

Using '学会' (learn to) with the verb.

法律制衡每个人。

Law checks everyone.

Formal subject '法律'.

这是权力的制衡。

This is the check and balance of power.

Using '的' to create a noun phrase.

他们相互制衡。

They check and balance each other.

Adding '相互' (mutual).

制衡是很重要的。

Checks and balances are very important.

Abstract noun as subject.

这个系统需要制衡。

This system needs checks and balances.

Verb '需要' + object.

没有制衡是不好的。

Without checks and balances, it's not good.

Negative construction '没有...是不好的'.

有效的制衡防止了错误。

Effective checks and balances prevented errors.

Adjective '有效的' modifying the noun.

董事会制衡经理的权力。

The board checks the manager's power.

Business context.

这两个国家相互制衡。

These two countries check and balance each other.

International relations context.

我们需要一种制衡机制。

We need a mechanism of checks and balances.

Using '机制' (mechanism).

法律的作用是制衡权力。

The role of the law is to check power.

Structure: ...的作用是...

制衡让社会更公平。

Checks and balances make society fairer.

Causative structure '让' (make/let).

没有制衡，权力会滥用。

Without checks and balances, power will be abused.

Conditional sentence.

他在公司里起到制衡作用。

He plays a balancing role in the company.

Phrase '起到...作用'.

三权分立的核心是制衡。

The core of the separation of powers is checks and balances.

Standard political terminology.

这种竞争能够制衡市场价格。

This competition can check market prices.

Economic context.

我们需要制度来制衡个人的欲望。

We need systems to check individual desires.

Using '来' to indicate purpose.

媒体可以对政府形成制衡。

The media can form a check on the government.

Phrase '对...形成制衡'.

团队内部需要权力的制衡。

There needs to be a balance of power within the team.

Organizational context.

没有制衡的权力是危险的。

Power without checks and balances is dangerous.

Descriptive phrase '没有制衡的'.

相互制衡有利于长期稳定。

Mutual checks and balances are beneficial for long-term stability.

Structure: ...有利于...

法律为社会提供了必要的制衡。

The law provides necessary checks and balances for society.

Verb '提供' (provide).

这种政治架构实现了多方制衡。

This political framework achieved multi-party checks and balances.

Using '多方' (multi-party/multi-sided).

为了防止腐败，必须强化监督与制衡。

To prevent corruption, supervision and checks and balances must be strengthened.

Standard anti-corruption phrasing.

国际组织在维护大国间的制衡。

International organizations are maintaining the balance of power among great nations.

Geopolitical context.

内部审计是公司的一种制衡机制。

Internal auditing is a check-and-balance mechanism for the company.

Accounting/Business context.

理智与情感在决策中相互制衡。

Reason and emotion check and balance each other in decision-making.

Metaphorical/Psychological use.

民主制度依赖于权力的相互制衡。

Democracy relies on the mutual check and balance of power.

Verb '依赖于' (rely on).

这种制衡关系非常微妙。

This check-and-balance relationship is very subtle.

Adjective '微妙' (subtle).

制衡失灵往往会导致严重的危机。

A failure of checks and balances often leads to serious crises.

Using '失灵' (malfunction/failure).

宪法的精髓在于权力的分立与制衡。

The essence of the constitution lies in the separation and check of powers.

Structure: ...的精髓在于...

在全球化背景下，经济制衡变得更加复杂。

In the context of globalization, economic checks and balances have become more complex.

Academic context.

这种制衡并非为了阻碍，而是为了保护。

This check and balance is not for obstruction, but for protection.

Contrastive structure '并非...而是...'.

舆论的制衡力量在互联网时代得到了放大。

The check-and-balance power of public opinion has been amplified in the internet age.

Passive voice with '得到'.

司法独立是实现法治制衡的关键。

Judicial independence is the key to achieving the check and balance of the rule of law.

Complex noun phrases.

在生态系统中，物种间的制衡维持了多样性。

In an ecosystem, checks and balances between species maintain diversity.

Scientific application.

缺乏有效的制衡，任何组织都难逃腐化的命运。

Lacking effective checks and balances, any organization will struggle to escape the fate of corruption.

Literary/Formal structure '难逃...的命运'.

他巧妙地利用了各派系之间的制衡关系。

He skillfully utilized the check-and-balance relationships between different factions.

Adverb '巧妙地' (skillfully).

权力制衡的缺失是导致该政权土崩瓦解的深层诱因。

The lack of checks and balances was the underlying cause of the regime's total collapse.

Sophisticated vocabulary: '土崩瓦解', '深层诱因'.

在全球治理中，如何构建有效的制衡体系仍是悬而未决的课题。

In global governance, how to build an effective check-and-balance system remains an unresolved subject.

Structure: '悬而未决的课题'.

这种相互制衡的态势在短期内难以打破。

This situation of mutual check and balance is difficult to break in the short term.

Using '态势' (situation/posture).

法律的权威源于其对公权力的有效制衡。

The authority of the law stems from its effective check on public power.

Structure: '源于其对...的...'.

在复杂的博弈中，制衡往往比对抗更能维持和平。

In complex games, checks and balances are often more capable of maintaining peace than confrontation.

Comparative '比...更能'.

董事会成员的多元化旨在增强对管理层的制衡。

The diversification of board members aims to strengthen the check on management.

Using '旨在' (aimed at).

在数字霸权横行的时代，我们需要新的制衡逻辑。

In an era where digital hegemony runs rampant, we need a new logic of checks and balances.

Using '横行' (to run rampant).

这种制衡机制的精妙之处在于它能自我修复。

The subtlety of this check-and-balance mechanism lies in its ability to self-repair.

Structure: '...的精妙之处在于...'.

Synonyms

约束牵制平衡监督抵消

Antonyms

纵容独裁任由

Common Collocations

权力制衡

相互制衡

制衡机制

起到制衡作用

有效的制衡

力量制衡

制衡力量

利益制衡

分权制衡

内部制衡

Common Phrases

制衡失效

— When the system of checks and balances fails to function.

制衡失效导致了这次金融危机。

三权分立与制衡

— Separation of powers and checks and balances.

美国政治的核心是三权分立与制衡。

制衡关系

— The relationship characterized by mutual restriction.

这两家公司处于一种制衡关系中。

多方制衡

— Checks and balances among multiple parties.

这个组织实现了多方制衡。

自我制衡

— Self-regulation or self-checking.

成熟的政党需要具备自我制衡的能力。

制衡逻辑

— The logic or rationale behind a check-and-balance system.

我们需要理解法律背后的制衡逻辑。

动态制衡

— Balance that shifts and adjusts over time.

生态平衡是一种动态制衡。

缺乏制衡

— The absence of checks and balances.

缺乏制衡的决策往往是盲目的。

制衡点

— The point or factor that creates the balance.

寻找双方利益的制衡点。

战略制衡

— Strategic balancing, often in military or geopolitical contexts.

这种武器部署是为了实现战略制衡。

Often Confused With

制衡 vs 平衡

General balance vs. systemic power check.

制衡 vs 制约

One-way restriction vs. mutual/systemic balance.

制衡 vs 控制

Dominance vs. mutual restriction.

Idioms & Expressions

"和而不同"

— Harmony without uniformity. Often linked to the idea that different forces can exist together through mutual respect and check.

在国际关系中，我们要追求和而不同。

Formal/Literary

"分权制衡"

— Separation and balance of power. Technically a four-character phrase used like an idiom in political science.

现代民主国家的基石是分权制衡。

Academic

"此消彼长"

— As one falls, the other rises. Describes the dynamic movement within a balanced system.

市场上的两股势力此消彼长，维持着制衡。

General

"势均力敌"

— Well-matched in strength. A state where制衡 is naturally achieved because neither side can win.

这两支球队势均力敌，相互制衡。

General

"刚柔相济"

— Combining hardness with softness. A form of internal character balance.

管理团队需要刚柔相济，实现内部制衡。

Literary

"群雄并起"

— Many heroes rising together. Describes a multi-polar situation requiring 制衡.

在群雄并起的时代，制衡尤为重要。

Historical

"相生相克"

— Mutual generation and mutual restriction (from Wu Xing). The traditional Chinese root of the concept of systemic balance.

中医理论强调五脏之间的相生相克与制衡。

Traditional/Scientific

"互为表里"

— Two things that are the outside and inside of each other. Often used to describe complementary check systems.

制度与道德在社会治理中互为表里，相互制衡。

Literary

"各有千秋"

— Each has its own merits. Used to describe why multiple forces are needed to balance each other.

各部门各有千秋，通过制衡促进公司发展。

General

"因势利导"

— To guide according to the circumstances. Using existing forces to achieve balance.

智者善于因势利导，利用矛盾实现制衡。

Literary

Easily Confused

制衡 vs 制约

Both involve '制' (restriction).

制约 is often one-sided and focuses on limiting growth; 制衡 is systemic and focuses on maintaining balance.

资金不足制约了项目 (Funds limit the project) vs. 权力制衡 (Checks and balances of power).

制衡 vs 平衡

Both involve the idea of balance.

平衡 is neutral and physical/general; 制衡 is formal and specifically about power/forces.

平衡饮食 (Balanced diet) vs. 政治制衡 (Political checks and balances).

制衡 vs 遏制

Both imply stopping or limiting.

遏制 is to contain something bad (like inflation or a virus); 制衡 is to balance power.

遏制疫情 (Contain the epidemic) vs. 制衡对手 (Check a rival).

制衡 vs 牵制

Both involve limiting an opponent.

牵制 is a tactical move to distract or pin down; 制衡 is a structural design.

牵制敌军 (Distract enemy troops) vs. 制度制衡 (Systemic checks).

制衡 vs 约束

Both involve rules.

约束 is about self-discipline or specific rules; 制衡 is about the relationship between powers.

法律约束行为 (Law binds behavior) vs. 权力相互制衡 (Powers check each other).

Sentence Patterns

为了...，我们需要建立...制衡机制。

为了防止腐败，我们需要建立完善的制衡机制。

A 在系统中起到了制衡 B 的作用。

监事会在公司中起到了制衡管理层的作用。

A 与 B 之间的相互制衡维持了...的稳定。

各部门之间的相互制衡维持了公司的运营稳定。

缺乏有效的制衡往往是...的根源。

缺乏有效的制衡往往是权力滥用的根源。

这种制衡态势的形成，源于...

这种制衡态势的形成，源于多方利益的博弈。

在...的语境下，制衡被赋予了新的含义。

在数字经济的语境下，制衡被赋予了新的含义。

A 能够制衡 B。

法律能够制衡权力。

实现...之间的制衡。

实现不同利益集团之间的制衡。

Word Family

Nouns

制衡机制

制衡力量

制衡关系

Verbs

制衡

相互制衡

Adjectives

制衡的

制约

平衡

限制

权力

机制

How to Use It

frequency

High in news/professional contexts, Low in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes

Using '制衡' for 'balancing a budget'. → 平衡预算 (pínghéng yùsuàn)
Budgeting is about mathematical equality, not power restriction.
Saying '警察制衡了小偷' (The police checked the thief). → 警察抓住了小偷 (The police caught the thief).
制衡 is for systemic power, not catching individuals.
Pronouncing it 'zhī héng' (1st tone). → zhì héng (4th tone).
Tones change meanings in Chinese; zhì is 'control/regulate'.
Using it as a synonym for 'stopping' something completely. → 制止 (zhìzhǐ - to stop/halt).
制衡 is about regulation and balance, not necessarily ending an action.
Confusing it with '平衡' in all contexts. → Depends on context.
平衡 is for general balance; 制衡 is for institutional/power balance.

Tips

Use in Business

In a business context, use '制衡' to discuss the relationship between the board of directors and the management team.

Common Pairings

Always remember the phrase '权力制衡' (quánlì zhìhéng); it is the most common use of the word.

Tone Accuracy

Be careful with the 4th tone on 'zhì'. If you say it with a 1st tone, it sounds like 'to heal' (治), which changes the meaning.

Formal Writing

When writing a formal report, '制衡' is a great 'power word' to demonstrate high-level literacy.

Verbal Use

Remember that '制衡' can take a direct object: 'A 制衡 B'.

International Relations

Use it when discussing the 'Balance of Power' between the US, China, and Europe.

Visual Scale

Visualize a 'Scale of Justice' being 'Controlled' by rules. That is '制衡'.

Don't Overuse

Don't use it for small, daily things like balancing a checkbook or a diet.

News Keywords

When you hear '制衡', expect the topic to be about power, politics, or law.

Choose Wisely

If you just mean 'to limit', use '限制'. Only use '制衡' if balance is the goal.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Knife' (制 looks like it has a blade component 刂) and a 'Scale' (衡). You use the knife to cut away excess power and the scale to make sure both sides are equal. Knife + Scale = Check and Balance.

Visual Association

Imagine a triangle with three pillars (Legislative, Executive, Judicial) connected by thick chains. The chains represent the '制' (restriction) that keeps the pillars in a state of '衡' (balance).

Word Web

权力 (Power) 法律 (Law) 机制 (Mechanism) 相互 (Mutual) 平衡 (Balance) 监督 (Supervision) 分权 (Separation of power) 稳定 (Stability)

Challenge

Try to explain the concept of 'separation of powers' in Chinese using the word '制衡' three times in under 30 seconds.

Word Origin

The word is composed of '制' (to control, regulate, or restrict) and '衡' (a weighing scale or to balance). In ancient Chinese, '制' referred to the laws or regulations set by a ruler, while '衡' was a tool used to ensure fairness in trade and measurement. The combination as a political term '制衡' gained prominence in the modern era to translate the Western concept of 'checks and balances.'

Original meaning: To regulate a scale or to ensure that a weight is balanced through control.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

When discussing '制衡' in a Chinese political context, be aware that the official Chinese stance often emphasizes 'Coordination' (协调) and 'Cooperation' (合作) alongside or over the Western concept of adversarial 'Checks and Balances'.

English speakers often use 'checks and balances' as a set phrase. In Chinese, '制衡' can be used as a verb directly (A 制衡 B), which is slightly different from the English noun-heavy usage.

The US Constitution's 'Checks and Balances' (美国宪法的制衡机制) Montesquieu's 'The Spirit of the Laws' (孟德斯鸠的《论法的精神》) The 'Three Kingdoms' period (三国) as a historical example of tripartite 制衡.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Political Science

三权分立
权力制衡
民主制度
宪法原则

Corporate Governance

董事会
内部审计
管理层
利益相关者

International Relations

大国博弈
力量平衡
多极世界
地缘政治

Ecology/Science

生态系统
食物链
动态平衡
物种竞争

Strategy/Gaming

角色平衡
技能制衡
战术对抗
克制关系

Conversation Starters

"你认为在公司管理中，最有效的制衡机制是什么？"

"你觉得社交媒体对政府权力起到了制衡作用吗？"

"在你的国家，不同政府部门之间是如何相互制衡的？"

"如果没有了制衡，你认为世界会变成什么样？"

"在团队合作中，我们是否也需要某种形式的制衡？"

Journal Prompts

描述一个你观察到的权力制衡的例子，无论是在学校、公司还是社会中。

论述为什么‘制衡’对一个长期稳定的系统至关重要。

反思你自己的生活中，理智与情感是如何相互制衡的。

如果你要设计一个新的组织，你会如何设置内部的制衡机制？

探讨在互联网时代，信息的快速传播是如何改变传统的权力制衡的。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, while it originated in political theory, it is widely used in corporate governance (board vs. CEO), international relations, and even ecology (predator vs. prey).

No, that sounds very strange. Use '平衡我的生活' (pínghéng wǒ de shēnghuó) instead.

‘制约’ is simpler and refers to any restriction. ‘制衡’ specifically implies a balance created by those restrictions.

Generally positive. It implies a healthy system that prevents any one part from becoming too powerful or corrupt.

The standard translation is '制衡' or '制约与平衡'.

Yes, it can mean 'the state of checks and balances' or 'the mechanism itself'.

The individual characters are, but the compound '制衡' as we use it today is a modern translation of Western concepts.

Only if you are being very cynical or clinical about power dynamics in the relationship. It's not a romantic word.

It means 'mutual checks and balances,' where two or more parties limit each other's power.

Yes, it typically appears in HSK 5 or 6 (Advanced levels) due to its formal and abstract nature.