Chinese word

克制

Pronunciation

Pinyinkè zhì

Meaning

  • verbcontrol

Example

他尽量克制自己的情绪。tā jǐn liàng kè zhì zì jǐ de qíng xù

He tries to control his emotions as much as possible.

Illustration for 克制 (control)

More examples

她在压力下也能克制冲动。tā zài yā lì xià yě néng kè zhì chōng dòng

She can restrain her impulses even under pressure.

Core concept

Measured behavior remains in control instead of being driven by a passing urge.

Common phrases

  • 克制情绪kè zhì qíng xù

    restrain one's emotions

  • 克制冲动kè zhì chōng dòng

    restrain one's impulses

  • 克制欲望kè zhì yù wàng

    restrain one's desires

Similar words

自制zì zhì: Holding back personal feelings or wants through conscious self-control.
节制jié zhì: Keeping the amount of eating, spending, or another activity within moderate limits.
忍住rěn zhù: Briefly holding back a sudden urge or feeling so it does not show.
抑制yì zhì: Reducing the strength of a reaction or feeling so it is less likely to appear.

Definition in Chinese

有意识地控制欲望或行为以保持节制，强调不被冲动左右。yǒu yì shí dì kòng zhì yù wàng huò xíng wéi yǐ bǎo chí jié zhì qiáng diào bú bèi chōng dòng zuǒ yòu

Word origin

In 克制 (kèzhì, "to restrain"), 克 (kè, "overcome") suggests mastering a force and 制 (zhì, "regulate") suggests keeping it within limits, giving the compound its sense of deliberate restraint.

Usage tips

  • The word fits many everyday situations, including keeping calm during an argument, stopping before overeating, and limiting unnecessary purchases, so it is broader than self-control in only one area.

Other meanings

  • restrain oneselfverb
  • practice moderationverb

Opposites

Word lists with this word