Jìngù describes a state of being strictly confined or mentally shackled by external forces or old traditions.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To strictly confine or imprison physically.
- To suppress or shackle thoughts, feelings, or creativity.
- A formal term implying a heavy, prison-like restriction.
Overview
- 1概述：‘禁锢’（jìngù）是一个书面语色彩浓厚的动词。它最初的含义与政治有关，指封建时代禁止某些人做官或参加政治活动（如‘党锢之祸’）。在现代汉语中，其含义已扩展到物理上的囚禁和隐喻意义上的精神束缚。2) 用法模式：该词常作及物动词，后接抽象名词。常见的搭配包括‘禁锢思想’、‘禁锢灵魂’。它也可以用于被动语态，如‘被禁锢在……之中’。3) 常见语境：在文学作品、社会评论和学术讨论中非常常见。它常用来批判陈旧的体制、落后的观念或压抑的人性。例如，在讨论五四运动时，常说它‘冲破了封建思想的禁锢’。4) 词义辨析：‘禁锢’与‘束缚’相比，程度更深、力量更强，强调一种‘死死锁住’的状态。‘束缚’可能只是限制了行动，而‘禁锢’则暗示了一种牢笼般的封闭感。与‘囚禁’相比，‘禁锢’更多地用于比喻义，而‘囚禁’主要指物理上的监禁。
Examples
这种陈旧的观念禁锢了年轻人的创造力。
social commentaryThis old concept restricts the creativity of young people.
他感觉自己被禁锢在无尽的孤独之中。
literaryHe felt himself imprisoned in endless loneliness.
为了追求自由，他必须打破家庭的禁锢。
formalTo pursue freedom, he must break the shackles of his family.
那只野兽被禁锢在坚固的铁笼里。
physical descriptionThe beast was confined in a sturdy iron cage.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
思想禁锢
ideological confinement
禁锢之苦
the suffering of being confined
Often Confused With
'Shùfù' is more general and can be mild; 'jìngù' implies a much stronger, more absolute restriction.
'Qiújìn' is almost exclusively for physical imprisonment in a jail; 'jìngù' is frequently used for abstract concepts.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Jìngù is a high-register word. It is most suitable for formal writing, literature, and intellectual discourse. Using it in casual conversation about minor things (like being stuck in traffic) would sound unnaturally dramatic.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using 'jìngù' when 'jìnzhǐ' (prohibit) is intended. 'Jìngù' is about confinement, while 'jìnzhǐ' is about rules forbidding an action.
Tips
Use for abstract mental barriers
It is most powerful when describing how old ideas or fear prevent personal or societal growth.
Avoid for minor restrictions
Do not use it for light constraints like 'the rain restricted my travel'; it is too dramatic for that.
Historical political roots
The term originally referred to political bans in ancient China, which adds a sense of historical gravity to the word.
Word Origin
'Jìn' (禁) means forbidden or restricted. 'Gù' (锢) originally referred to using molten metal to plug a crack or seal something. Together, they imply a 'forbidden seal' that cannot be moved.
Cultural Context
In Chinese history, '禁锢' is famously linked to the 'Proscription of Factions' (党锢之祸), where scholars were banned from political life. In modern times, it is a key term in the discourse of enlightenment and breaking away from feudalism.
Memory Tip
Think of the second character '锢' (gù), which contains the 'metal' radical (钅) and 'solid' (固). Imagine a mind locked in a solid metal cage.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions是的，它通常带有贬义或压抑的色彩，强调自由被剥夺或进步被阻碍。
不常用。它属于正式书面语，在口语中通常会用‘限制’或‘绑死’来代替。
‘封闭’侧重于与外界隔绝，而‘禁锢’侧重于被强制性地锁住或限制自由。
汉语中常使用‘打破’、‘冲破’或‘摆脱’与‘禁锢’搭配。
Test Yourself
陈旧的教育模式___了学生们的想象力。
‘禁锢’最能体现想象力被彻底封锁、无法发挥的沉重感。
Which phrase best fits the context of 'jìngù'?
‘禁锢思想’是该词最经典、最常用的抽象搭配。
不应 / 创造力 / 被 / 禁锢 / 规则 / 刻板的
The subject (creativity) should not be confined by the agent (rigid rules).
Score: /3
Summary
Jìngù describes a state of being strictly confined or mentally shackled by external forces or old traditions.
- To strictly confine or imprison physically.
- To suppress or shackle thoughts, feelings, or creativity.
- A formal term implying a heavy, prison-like restriction.
Use for abstract mental barriers
It is most powerful when describing how old ideas or fear prevent personal or societal growth.
Avoid for minor restrictions
Do not use it for light constraints like 'the rain restricted my travel'; it is too dramatic for that.
Historical political roots
The term originally referred to political bans in ancient China, which adds a sense of historical gravity to the word.
Examples
4 of 4这种陈旧的观念禁锢了年轻人的创造力。
This old concept restricts the creativity of young people.
他感觉自己被禁锢在无尽的孤独之中。
He felt himself imprisoned in endless loneliness.
为了追求自由，他必须打破家庭的禁锢。
To pursue freedom, he must break the shackles of his family.
那只野兽被禁锢在坚固的铁笼里。
The beast was confined in a sturdy iron cage.
Related Content
Related Vocabulary
More general words
一下儿
A1a bit, a moment
点儿
A1a little bit
有点儿
A1a little, somewhat (negative connotation)
一下
A2A bit; a moment (used after a verb).
异样
B1different; unusual; strange
关于
A1about, concerning
快要
A2to be about to (happen)
大约
B1Used to show that a number or amount is not exact; approximately.
上边
A2above, on top
上面
A1on, above, over
