约束

• Pinyin: yuē shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 约 = 纟 + 勺, to limit/agree; 束 = pictograph of bundled sticks, to bind

Meaning

To restrain; to bind; to constrain. Imposing limits on behavior or actions.

Used for rules, regulations, or self-discipline that restrict behavior. Common phrases: 自我约束 (self-restraint), 法律约束 (legal constraints), 约束力 (binding force). Can be both a verb and a noun.

Examples

1. 法律对所有人都有约束力。 The law is binding on everyone.
2. 家长应该适当约束孩子上网的时间。 Parents should appropriately limit children's time online.
3. 他很有自我约束能力，每天都坚持锻炼。 He has great self-discipline and exercises every day.

Usage Guide

Context: law, discipline, management

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这份合同对双方都有约束力。(This contract is binding on both parties.)
• 我们需要约束自己的行为。(We need to restrain our behavior.)

Don't Say

• 约束住他 (Sounds awkward — say 管住他 or 限制他 in casual speech)

Origin & History

Compound of 约 (to agree, to limit) and 束 (to bind, to bundle). To bind or limit through agreement.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal