克制 kèzhì to restrain
to restrain; to control; restraint; self-control
How to remember 克制: 克 gram + 制 system = to restrain.
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How it is used
- To restrain/hold back one's emotions or impulses - 克制情绪 (kèzhì qíngxù) to rein in one's feelings; 克制自己 (control oneself).
- Emphasizes self-control over anger, desire, urges. Both verb and noun (缺乏克制, lacking restraint).
- Contrast 控制 (kòngzhì, to control anything, external or internal) - 克制 specifically means reining in one's own impulses.