垄断

• Pinyin: lǒng duàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 垄 = 土 + 龙 (earthen ridge); 断 = 斤 + 糸 (to cut through)

Meaning

To monopolise; to have exclusive control over a market, resource, or activity. Also used as a noun meaning monopoly.

A key term in economics and antitrust law. In Chinese policy discourse, 垄断行为 (monopolistic behaviour) and 反垄断 (anti-monopoly) are significant topics following landmark regulatory actions against tech giants. Can also be used loosely to mean to dominate or have exclusive hold on something.

Examples

1. 反垄断机构对该科技公司展开调查，指控其通过不正当手段垄断市场。 The antitrust agency launched an investigation into the tech company, accusing it of using unfair tactics to monopolize the market.
2. 这家国有企业长期垄断石油开采行业，限制了民营资本进入的空间。 That state-owned company has long monopolized oil extraction, leaving little room for private capital to enter.
3. 他笑称自己垄断了家里所有的零食，绝不与人分享。 He joked that he had monopolized all the snacks at home and absolutely wouldn’t share with anyone.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, law, business

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 反垄断法的出台旨在打破少数企业对市场的垄断，维护公平竞争的市场秩序。(The introduction of anti-monopoly law aims to break the monopoly of a few companies over the market and uphold fair competition.)
• 该公司凭借专利技术在行业内形成了事实上的垄断地位。(The company has established a de facto monopoly position in the industry by leveraging its patent technology.)

Don't Say

• 将垄断用于描述个人对某事的热情或专注 — 垄断 is an economic/legal term; in casual speech use 专注于 or 沉迷于 (Don't use 垄断 to mean someone is very focused or passionate — it's an economic term; use 专注 or 沉迷 for personal dedication)

Origin & History

垄 (ridge of a field) + 断 (to cut off) — originally referred to standing on a ridge to survey and control surrounding land

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal