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March 24, 2026
束缚(束縛)shùfù(shu4fu4)
束缚 (shù fù) means to bind or restrict someone or something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as limiting freedom or potential. It can refer to both physical binding and more abstract constraints like societal expectations or personal commitments.
Frequency#6557DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
束缚 is often used in discussions about personal freedom in Chinese society, reflecting the tension between individual desires and collective expectations. It can be heard in debates about career choices and personal relationships in the context of filial piety.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large bundle of ropes (束) tightly binding a person’s arms in a way that restricts their movement (缚). The sound 'shu' can remind you of 'shoe,' and 'fu' can sound like 'fool'—imagine a fool trying to run in shoes that are tightly bound by ropes.
Meanings of 束缚
shùfù(shu4fu4)
1to bind
2to restrict
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 束缚
束缚Simplified
束縛Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名动词dòngcíverb-noun (v.-n.)Part of Speech
#6557Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 束缚
Podcast: 束缚
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AI Study Notes for 束缚
Quick Contrast
束缚 (shùfù) vs 限制 (xiànzhì): Choose 束缚 when emphasizing a binding or restraining effect, often with a connotation of limitation on freedom; use 限制 for more general restrictions or limitations without the binding nuance.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large bundle of ropes (束) tightly binding a person’s arms in a way that restricts their movement (缚). The sound 'shu' can remind you of 'shoe,' and 'fu' can sound like 'fool'—imagine a fool trying to run in shoes that are tightly bound by ropes.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 束缚 with other similar words like 限制 (xiànzhì, to limit), but 束缚 implies a stronger sense of binding or tying. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is more commonly seen in written language. Be careful with tones; mispronouncing the tones can lead to confusion.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 束缚 connects with other vocabulary related to limitations and restrictions. Focus on understanding its usage in idiomatic expressions and in contrast to words like 解放 (jiěfàng, to liberate) to grasp its full meaning.
Cultural Note
束缚 is often used in discussions about personal freedom in Chinese society, reflecting the tension between individual desires and collective expectations. It can be heard in debates about career choices and personal relationships in the context of filial piety.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 束缚 when they mean to say 'to limit' in a general sense. For example, saying '我想要束缚我的时间' (I want to bind my time) instead of '我想要限制我的时间' (I want to limit my time) is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 束缚
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Grammar Patterns of 束缚
束缚 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 5 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 5
Complete the Sentence
他们有孩子，当然就受学校假期的____。
They had children and were consequently tied to the school holidays.
Example Sentences for 束缚 (5)
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1
他们有孩子，当然就受学校假期的束缚。
tā mén yǒu hái zǐ， ， dāng rán jiù shòu xué xiào jiǎ qī de shù。
They had children and were consequently tied to the school holidays.
2
海格被自己那一套保守的战略战术所束缚。
hǎi gé bèi zì jǐ nà yī tào bǎo shǒu de zhàn lüè zhàn shù suǒ shù fù。
Haig was limited by his blinkered approach to strategy and tactics.
Women are too often constrained by family commitments and by low expectations.
Cultural Notes for 束缚
🏮Cultural insight
束缚 is often used in discussions about personal freedom in Chinese society, reflecting the tension between individual desires and collective expectations. It can be heard in debates about career choices and personal relationships in the context of filial piety.
Frequently Asked Questions about 束缚
束缚 implies a stronger sense of physically or metaphorically tying something down, whereas 限制 refers more to limiting or restricting something without the binding connotation.
Yes, while it is more commonly found in formal writing, you can use it in informal speech to express strong restrictions or limitations.
It is generally used in a negative context, as it implies oppression or limitation of freedom.
