解放

• Pinyin: jiě fàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 解 = 角 + 刀 + 牛, meaning to untie; 放 = 方 (direction) + 攵 (strike), meaning to release

Meaning

Liberate; emancipate; set free.

Historically associated with the founding of the PRC in 1949 (解放后 means 'after Liberation'). Also used broadly for freeing from oppression, constraints, or burdens. 解放思想 means to free one's mind. 解放双手 means hands-free (for tools/appliances).

Examples

1. 这款智能家电能解放双手，让家务变得轻松。 This smart appliance can free up your hands and make housework easier.
2. 旅行可以解放心灵，让人暂时忘掉工作压力。 Travel can liberate the mind and let you temporarily forget work stress.
3. 那场革命解放了千千万万被压迫的人民。 That revolution liberated millions of oppressed people.

Usage Guide

Context: historical, political, figurative, technology

Tone: positive

Do Say

• 这个发明解放了生产力。(This invention liberated productivity.)
• 解放后，人们的生活发生了巨大变化。(After Liberation, people's lives changed dramatically.)

Don't Say

• 我解放了这本书 (解放 implies freeing from oppression/constraint — for releasing a book, use 发布 or 出版)

Origin & History

Compound of 解 (untie) + 放 (release), meaning to untie and release.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal