B2 adjective Neutral 1 min read

节制

jié zhì /tɕjɛ̌ tʂɻ̩̂/
Practice it

Practicing moderation and self-restraint is essential for a balanced and healthy life.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Practice self-control in desires and actions.
  • Maintain a balanced and moderate lifestyle.
  • Avoid overindulgence in food, spending, or emotions.

Overview

  1. 1概述：‘节制’是一个含义丰富的词汇，它既可以作为动词表示‘控制’的行为，也可以作为形容词描述一种‘适度’的状态。在儒家文化背景下，节制被视为一种美德，强调‘中庸之道’。2) 用法模式：常见结构包括‘节制+名词’（如节制欲望）或‘生活/饮食+很节制’。它强调的是自觉的、内在的约束。3) 常见语境：最常出现在健康建议（如节制饮食）、财务管理（如节制开支）以及个人修养（如节制情感）的讨论中。4) 同义词辨析：‘节制’与‘克制’相比，前者更侧重于长期的、习惯性的适度，而后者往往指在特定瞬间压抑某种冲动；与‘限制’相比，‘节制’更多是自发的，而‘限制’往往带有外力强迫的色彩。

Examples

1

生活要有节制，才能保持健康。

everyday

One must live with moderation to stay healthy.

2

政府呼吁民众节制用水。

formal

The government calls on the public to use water moderately.

3

虽然他很生气，但说话还是很有节制的。

informal

Although he was angry, he spoke with great restraint.

4

欲望的过度膨胀往往源于缺乏节制。

academic

The excessive expansion of desire often stems from a lack of restraint.

Common Collocations

节制饮食 moderate one's diet
有所节制 to have some degree of restraint
节制欲望 to curb one's desires

Common Phrases

饮食有节

be moderate in eating and drinking

不知节制

to have no sense of moderation

Often Confused With

节制 vs 克制

Kèzhì is used for suppressing a specific emotion or impulse in the moment, while jiézhì is about ongoing moderation.

节制 vs 限制

Xiànzhì implies an external limit or boundary, whereas jiézhì is usually an internal choice of moderation.

Grammar Patterns

Subject + 对 + Something + 有所节制 节制 + Noun (欲望/开支/饮食) 生活/行为 + 很节制

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The word 'jiézhì' is neutral to formal in register. It is frequently used in written Chinese and formal speeches, but is also common in daily conversation when discussing health or habits. It carries a positive connotation of self-discipline.

Common Mistakes

English speakers often use 'xiànzhì' (limit) when they mean 'jiézhì' (moderate). Remember that 'jiézhì' is about the *degree* of consumption or behavior, not just stopping it entirely.

Tips

💡

Use for describing a healthy lifestyle

In Chinese, 'jiézhì' is the go-to word when talking about maintaining a balanced diet or avoiding bad habits.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'jiéshěng'

'Jiéshěng' means to save or be frugal, while 'jiézhì' means to exercise control and moderation.

🌍

The Virtue of the Middle Way

The concept of 'jiézhì' is deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy, promoting the idea that balance leads to harmony.

Word Origin

'Jié' originally referred to the nodes of bamboo, symbolizing boundaries or segments. 'Zhì' means to govern or regulate. Together they mean to regulate within boundaries.

Cultural Context

In Confucianism, 'jiézhì' is related to the concept of 'Li' (ritual/propriety), suggesting that a superior person knows when to stop and how to behave appropriately in all situations.

Memory Tip

Think of the first character 'Jié' (节) as a 'joint' in bamboo that creates a natural break, and 'Zhì' (制) as 'control'. It's about controlling the segments of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

‘节制’侧重于定量的控制，使之不过量（如饮食节制）；‘克制’侧重于对情感或冲动的压抑（如克制愤怒）。

它通常是一个褒义词或中性词，强调理性和修养，表示一个人能够掌控自己的生活。

可以用来劝告别人不要过度沉迷某事，例如：‘玩游戏要有所节制。’

可以，‘节制开支’意味着有计划地花钱，不挥霍浪费。

Test Yourself

fill blank

为了身体健康，医生建议他饮食要___。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 节制

‘节制饮食’是固定搭配，指适度进食。

multiple choice

他在生活上非常‘节制’，从不乱花钱。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 适度

‘适度’与‘节制’都强调不过分，处于合理的区间。

sentence building

应该 / 欲望 / 我们 / 自己的 / 节制

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 我们应该节制自己的欲望。

标准的‘主语+状语+动词+宾语’结构。

Score: /3

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