体制

• Pinyin: tǐ zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 体 = 亻(person) + 本 (root) — body, structure; 制 = 未 + 刂(knife) — to regulate, system

Meaning

System; regime; institutional structure or framework.

Refers to the organizational structure and operational mechanisms of a society, state, or institution. Often used for political, economic, or administrative systems. Carries connotations of formal, established structures of governance or organization.

Examples

1. 改革开放以来，中国的经济体制发生了根本性的变化。 Since reform and opening up, China's economic system has undergone fundamental changes.
2. 这个国家正在探索适合本国国情的政治体制。 This country is exploring a political system suited to its national conditions.
3. 他在体制内工作了三十年，对官僚系统的运作了如指掌。 He worked within the system for thirty years and knows the bureaucracy inside out.

Usage Guide

Context: political, economic, institutional

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 体制改革势在必行。(Institutional reform is imperative.)
• 这是体制问题。(This is a systemic issue.)

Don't Say

• 把个人管理风格说成'体制' (Don't call personal management style a 体制 — it refers to formal institutional structures)

Origin & History

体 means body or structure, 制 means to regulate or system — regulated structure.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal