私立

• Pinyin: sī lì
• Hanzi breakdown: 私 = 禾 + 厶 (private); 立 = 立 (establish)

Meaning

Privately established; private. As an adjective, privately owned or funded.

Describes institutions, especially schools and hospitals, that are privately owned and operated rather than government-run. Contrasts with 公立 (public/state-run).

Examples

1. 他的孩子在一所私立学校读书。 His child attends a private school.
2. 这家私立医院设备非常先进。 This private hospital has very advanced equipment.
3. 私立机构在教育领域发挥着重要作用。 Private institutions play an important role in education.

Usage Guide

Context: education, healthcare, institutions

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 私立大学的学费通常比较高。(Private university tuition is usually relatively high.)
• 越来越多的私立养老院涌现出来。(More and more private nursing homes are emerging.)

Don't Say

• 私立的想法 — 私立 is for institutions, not thoughts; use 私人的 for personal ideas

Origin & History

私 (private) + 立 (establish)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal