局限

• Pinyin: jú xiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 局 = 尸 + 句 (confined space); 限 = 阝 + 艮 (boundary/limit)

Meaning

To limit; to confine; to restrict. To constrain something within certain bounds or a specific scope.

Often used with 于 to indicate being limited to a specific domain. Can also function as a noun meaning 'limitation' or 'constraint.' Common in academic, research, and analytical writing.

Examples

1. 这项研究局限于沿海城市，所得数据缺乏内陆地区的代表性。 This study is limited to coastal cities, so the data lacks representation from inland regions.
2. 传统的思维方式局限了他接受新技术的能力。 Traditional ways of thinking limited his ability to embrace new technology.
3. 我们的视野不应局限于当下，还要放眼更长远的未来。 Our vision shouldn’t be limited to the present; we also need to look further into the future.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, research, analysis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这项政策的适用范围局限于特定行业，其他领域暂不涉及。(The scope of this policy is limited to specific industries and does not extend to other areas for now.)
• 讨论不应局限于技术层面，还需充分考量其社会与伦理影响。(The discussion should not be confined to the technical level; its social and ethical implications must also be fully considered.)

Don't Say

• 他局限我的自由 — 局限 does not take a direct person object; use 限制我的自由 or 局限于某范围 instead

Origin & History

局 (confined/bounded) + 限 (limit/boundary)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal