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March 24, 2026
制裁zhìcái(zhi4cai2)
制裁 (zhìcái) refers to punitive measures imposed on individuals, organizations, or countries as a response to certain actions or behaviors. It is commonly used in contexts relating to international relations, where governments may impose economic or political sanctions to enforce compliance or punish wrongdoing.
Frequency#10592DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In recent years, China has been involved in various international sanctions discussions, especially regarding trade and diplomatic relations. Understanding 制裁 is crucial for grasping the complexities of China's stance in global politics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a judge (制) with a giant 'C' in hand (裁) ready to deliver a punishment for wrongdoing. The shape of the character 制 suggests a tool used for control, while 裁 resembles a pair of scissors, symbolizing cutting off support or resources as a form of punishment.
Meanings of 制裁
zhìcái(zhi4cai2)
1to punish
2punishment
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 制裁
制裁Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#10592Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 制裁
Podcast: 制裁
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AI Study Notes for 制裁
Quick Contrast
惩罚 (chéngfá) refers to punishment for wrongdoing, often in a legal or disciplinary context, while 制裁 (zhìcái) specifically involves punitive measures taken by governments or international bodies.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a judge (制) with a giant 'C' in hand (裁) ready to deliver a punishment for wrongdoing. The shape of the character 制 suggests a tool used for control, while 裁 resembles a pair of scissors, symbolizing cutting off support or resources as a form of punishment.
Usage Notes
Be careful using 制裁 in casual conversations, as it carries a formal and serious tone. Common collocations include '经济制裁' (economic sanctions) and '国际制裁' (international sanctions). Avoid confusing it with related terms like '惩罚' (chěngfá), which is more general and can refer to punishment in various contexts.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 word, 制裁 connects with other terms related to governance and international law. Students should focus on understanding the contexts in which sanctions are applied and practice using it in discussions about global affairs.
Cultural Note
In recent years, China has been involved in various international sanctions discussions, especially regarding trade and diplomatic relations. Understanding 制裁 is crucial for grasping the complexities of China's stance in global politics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 制裁 with 惩罚, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我对他进行了制裁' (I punished him with sanctions) is incorrect; it should be '我对他进行了惩罚' unless discussing formal sanctions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 制裁
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Grammar Patterns of 制裁
制裁 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我们的记者一直在评估____带来的影响。
Our corre-spondent has been assessing the impact of the sanctions.
Example Sentences for 制裁 (5)
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1
我们的记者一直在评估制裁带来的影响。
wǒ mén de jì zhě yī zhí zài píng gū zhì cái dài lái de yǐng xiǎng。
Our corre-spondent has been assessing the impact of the sanctions.
2
制裁可能会是争议最大的问题之一。
zhì cái kě néng huì shì zhēng yì zuì dà de wèn tí zhī yī。
Sanctions are expected to be among the most contentious issues.
Sooner or later the law will punish scum like you.
Cultural Notes for 制裁
🏮Cultural insight
In recent years, China has been involved in various international sanctions discussions, especially regarding trade and diplomatic relations. Understanding 制裁 is crucial for grasping the complexities of China's stance in global politics.
Frequently Asked Questions about 制裁
制裁 refers specifically to sanctions imposed by governments or authorities, often in international contexts, while 惩罚 is a more general term for punishment in various situations.
It is typically used in formal discussions about politics or economics, so it's best reserved for those contexts.
