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March 24, 2026
终止(終止)zhōngzhǐ(zhong1zhi3)
终止 (zhōngzhǐ) means to stop or terminate an action, process, or agreement. This term is often used in legal contexts to refer to the cessation of contracts or obligations, but it can also apply to more general situations where something comes to an end.
Frequency#5465DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese corporate culture, understanding terms like 终止 is essential, especially in negotiations and contract discussions, where clear communication about termination clauses is critical.
Memory Tip
Imagine a race that is about to finish. As the last runner approaches the finish line, a big sign reads '终止' (zhōng zhǐ), meaning 'terminate' or 'stop'. The first character '终' looks like a finish line (终), signaling the end, while '止' (to stop) resembles a foot halting in place.
Meanings of 终止
zhōngzhǐ(zhong1zhi3)
1to stop
2to terminate (law)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
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About 终止
终止Simplified
終止Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#5465Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2
Podcast: 终止
Podcast: 终止
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AI Study Notes for 终止
Quick Contrast
停止 (tíngzhǐ) is used for stopping an action or movement, whereas 终止 (zhōngzhǐ) implies a more formal or definitive termination, often in legal or contractual contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a race that is about to finish. As the last runner approaches the finish line, a big sign reads '终止' (zhōng zhǐ), meaning 'terminate' or 'stop'. The first character '终' looks like a finish line (终), signaling the end, while '止' (to stop) resembles a foot halting in place.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 终止 with 结束 (jiéshù), which also means 'to end' but has a slightly different nuance. 终止 is more formal and legalistic, suitable for written contexts, while 结束 can be used in everyday conversation. Ensure you use the correct tone; 终止 uses the first (high) and third (low) tones.
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 word, 终止 connects well with other legal or formal vocabulary. Students should focus on its application in sentences and its distinction from similar terms like 结束 and 停止 (tíngzhǐ). Practice using it in legal contexts to reinforce understanding.
Cultural Note
In Chinese corporate culture, understanding terms like 终止 is essential, especially in negotiations and contract discussions, where clear communication about termination clauses is critical.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 终止 with 结束, using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我们已经终止这项活动' (We have already terminated this activity) is awkward; '我们已经结束这项活动' is more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 终止
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Grammar Patterns of 终止
终止 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 2 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
桑普多利亚队主场1比2负于热那亚队之后，____了自己的不败纪录。
Sampdoria lost their unbeaten record with a 2-1 home defeat against Genoa.
Example Sentences for 终止 (3)
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1
桑普多利亚队主场1比2负于热那亚队之后，终止了自己的不败纪录。
sāng pǔ duō lì yà duì zhǔ cháng1 12 bǐ 2 fù yú rè nà yà duì， zhī hòu ， zhōng zhǐ le zì jǐ de bù。
Sampdoria lost their unbeaten record with a 2-1 home defeat against Genoa.
Copyright expires 50 years after the death of the author.
3
成熟的荚沿茎分布着,茎终止于一簇较密的荚.
chéng shú de jiá yán jīng fēn bù zháo, , jīng zhōng zhǐ yú yī cù jiào mì de.
At maturity, pods distributed along the stem which terminates in a rather dense cluster of pods.
Cultural Notes for 终止
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese corporate culture, understanding terms like 终止 is essential, especially in negotiations and contract discussions, where clear communication about termination clauses is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions about 终止
While it is commonly used in legal contexts, it can also refer to stopping any action or process.
终止 implies a more formal termination, often in contracts, while 停止 is more general and can be used in everyday situations.
It's best to reserve 终止 for formal contexts; in casual conversations, 结束 or 停止 would be more appropriate.
