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March 24, 2026
节制(節制)jiézhì(jie2zhi4)
节制 (jie2 zhi4) refers to the act of controlling or restricting oneself, often in relation to behaviors or desires. It is commonly used in contexts such as moderation in eating, drinking, or spending, highlighting the importance of self-control and balance in life.
Frequency#15532DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 节制 is deeply tied to Confucian values, which emphasize moderation and self-discipline as keys to a harmonious life. This is often reflected in discussions around food, consumption, and lifestyle choices.
Memory Tip
Imagine a string (节) tied tightly (制) around a balloon, preventing it from expanding too much. This visual of moderation helps connect the idea of control (节制) with the imagery of restraint.
Meanings of 节制
jiézhì(jie2zhi4)
1to control
2to restrict
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 节制
节制Simplified
節制Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#15532Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 节制
Podcast: 节制
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AI Study Notes for 节制
Quick Contrast
节制 (jiézhì) vs 控制 (kòngzhì) — use 节制 when referring to self-restraint or moderation, while 控制 implies exerting control over something external.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a string (节) tied tightly (制) around a balloon, preventing it from expanding too much. This visual of moderation helps connect the idea of control (节制) with the imagery of restraint.
Usage Notes
A common mistake is to confuse 节制 with 控制 (kong4 zhi4), which has a more general meaning of 'to control' without the nuance of moderation. 节制 is more formal and is often used in discussions about personal behavior or moral lessons.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 word, 节制 connects to other terms related to self-discipline and moderation found in HSK 6, such as 自律 (zi4 lv4, self-discipline) and 适度 (shi4 du4, appropriate degree). Focus on using it in contexts that emphasize balance.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 节制 is deeply tied to Confucian values, which emphasize moderation and self-discipline as keys to a harmonious life. This is often reflected in discussions around food, consumption, and lifestyle choices.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 节制 when they mean to express general control or restriction. For example, saying '我节制我的工作' (I control my work) should be corrected to '我控制我的工作' (I control my work) for a clearer expression.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 节制
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Grammar Patterns of 节制
节制 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 7 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
这个乐队的第三张专辑似乎表现更为____、基调更为清晰。
The band's third album seems more disciplined and focussed.
Example Sentences for 节制 (6)
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1
这个乐队的第三张专辑似乎表现更为节制、基调更为清晰。
zhè gè lè duì de dì sān zhāng zhuān jí sì hū biǎo xiàn gēng wéi jié zhì、 、 jī tiáo gēng wéi qīng。
The band's third album seems more disciplined and focussed.
2
他自从节制饮食以来已经瘦了不少.
tā zì cóng jié zhì yǐn shí yǐ lái yǐ jīng shòu le bù shǎo.
He's thinned down a lot since he went on a diet.
3
节制: 食不可过饱, 饮不得过量.
jié zhì: : shí bù kě guò, bǎo , yǐn bù dé.
Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
4
由于实在闲极无聊，我开始无节制地大吃起来。
yóu yú shí zài xián jí wú liáo， ， wǒ kāi shǐ wú jié zhì dì dà chī qǐ。
We weren't poor. But we always had modest Christmases.
6
他戒掉的高赌注的牌戏,喝酒也比较有节制了.
tā jiè diào de gāo dǔ zhù de pái xì, , hē jiǔ yě bǐ jiào yǒu jié zhì.
He gave up high - stake card games and stayed comparatively sober.
Cultural Notes for 节制
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 节制 is deeply tied to Confucian values, which emphasize moderation and self-discipline as keys to a harmonious life. This is often reflected in discussions around food, consumption, and lifestyle choices.
Frequently Asked Questions about 节制
Yes, but it is more commonly used in formal contexts or written language when discussing self-control.
Words like 控制 (kong4 zhi4) and 自律 (zi4 lv4) are similar, but they may lack the specific nuance of moderation that 节制 carries.
