控制

• Pinyin: kòng zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 控 = 扌(hand) + 空 (empty), originally meaning to pull/draw bow; 制 = 未 + 刂 (knife), meaning to cut/make/control

Meaning

To control; to manage; to restrain. Exercising power or authority over something.

A versatile verb meaning to exercise control, whether over machines, situations, emotions, or people. Used in contexts ranging from self-control to government control to technical operations. Also functions as a noun meaning 'control.'

Examples

1. 他努力控制自己的情绪，不让眼泪流下来。 He tried hard to control his emotions and not let tears fall.
2. 政府采取措施控制房价上涨。 The government took measures to control rising housing prices.
3. 这个遥控器可以控制家里所有的智能设备。 This remote control can operate all the smart devices in the house.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, technical, governance

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你要学会控制自己的脾气。(You need to learn to control your temper.)
• 疫情已经得到了有效控制。(The epidemic has been effectively controlled.)

Don't Say

• 我控制看这本书。(Wrong — 控制 doesn't mean 'decide' or 'choose'; use 决定 instead)

Origin & History

控 (kòng, accuse/control) + 制 (zhì, make/control). Both characters contain meanings of restraint and control.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal