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制约 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
制约zhìyuēto restrictHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #23980, Very Hard
制约zhìyuēconditionHSK 7, n, 14 strokes, rank #23980, Very Hard
zhìyuē(zhi4yue1)zhi yue T4
  1. 1to restrict
  2. 2condition
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March 24, 2026

制约(制約)zhìyuē(zhi4yue1)

制约 (zhìyuē) refers to the concept of restriction or limitation imposed on something, often in a context where one factor conditions or affects another. Commonly used in discussions about economics, policy, and social conditions, it highlights the interdependence of elements within a system.

Strokes14Frequency#23980DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese socio-economic discussions, 制约 is frequently used to describe the limitations imposed by government policies on market forces, reflecting a key aspect of China's approach to economic management and planning.

Memory tip

Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zu') where animals are 'restricted' by their cages (制). Picture the 'cages' as conditions (约) that keep the animals from roaming free. This imagery connects the character's components to its meaning of restriction and condition.

Meanings of 制约

zhìyuē(zhi4yue1)
1to restrict
2condition
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 制约

制约Simplified
制約Traditional
14Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#23980Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 制约

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Podcast: 制约

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AI study notes for 制约

Quick Contrast

限制 (xiànzhì) - use 制约 when emphasizing the interdependence of factors, while 限制 focuses more on the act of limiting without that relational aspect.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 制约 with related terms like 约束 (yuēshù), which means to restrain. 制约 is more formal and often used in written contexts, especially in academic or policy discussions. Ensure to use it in appropriate contexts where conditions or limitations are being discussed.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK Level 6 word, students should focus on how 制约 interacts with other terms related to conditions and restrictions, such as 影响 (yǐngxiǎng, to influence). Practice using it in complex sentences to understand its nuance in various contexts.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse 制约 in casual conversation, where a simpler term may be more appropriate. For example, saying '我制约你' (I restrict you) is incorrect; a better choice would be '我限制你' (I limit you).

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 制约

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Component characters

制zhìsystem
HSK 68 strokes刂
View full entry
约yāoto weigh in a balance or on a scale
HSK 46 strokes纟
View full entry

How to say to restrict in Chinese

“to restrict” in Chinese is制约zhìyuē

制约 (zhìyuē) refers to the concept of restriction or limitation imposed on something, often in a context where one factor conditions or affects another. Commonly used in discussions about economics, policy, and social conditions, it highlights the interdependence of elements within a system.

When to use 制约

Be cautious not to confuse 制约 with related terms like 约束 (yuēshù), which means to restrain. 制约 is more formal and often used in written contexts, especially in academic or policy discussions. Ensure to use it in appropriate contexts where conditions or limitations are being discussed.

制约 or something close to it

限制 (xiànzhì) - use 制约 when emphasizing the interdependence of factors, while 限制 focuses more on the act of limiting without that relational aspect.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse 制约 in casual conversation, where a simpler term may be more appropriate. For example, saying '我制约你' (I restrict you) is incorrect; a better choice would be '我限制你' (I limit you).

Write 制约

制
约

Practice writing 制约 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar patterns of 制约

制约 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 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 1

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

安妮塔羡慕姐姐不受道德观念的____,藐视公众舆论。

Anita envied her sister's amorality and contempt for public opinion.

Example sentences for 制约 (1)

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1
安妮塔羡慕姐姐不受道德观念的制约,藐视公众舆论。

Ān nī tǎ xiànmù jiějie bù shòu dàodé guānniàn de zhìyuē, miǎoshì gōngzhòng yúlùn。

Anita envied her sister's amorality and contempt for public opinion.

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Frequently asked questions about 制约

It's more commonly used in formal or academic contexts, so in casual conversation, you might opt for simpler terms.

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