限度

• Pinyin: xiàn dù
• Hanzi breakdown: 限 = 阝+ 艮 (boundary); 度 = 广 + 廿 + 又 (measured span)

Meaning

Limit; the maximum extent, degree, or boundary that should not be exceeded.

Describes the upper threshold of tolerance, capacity, or acceptable range. Frequently appears in phrases such as 超出限度 (exceed the limit) or 在合理限度内 (within reasonable limits).

Examples

1. 长期的高压工作已经超出了他身体所能承受的限度。 Long-term high-pressure work has already exceeded what his body can handle.
2. 批评应在合理的限度内进行，不能伤害他人的尊严。 Criticism should stay within reasonable limits and must not harm another person’s dignity.
3. 这项精密工程的误差必须控制在规定的技术限度以内。 The error in this precision project must be kept within the specified technical limits.

Usage Guide

Context: science, ethics, engineering, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 任何权力的行使都应在法律规定的限度内进行。(The exercise of any power should remain within the limits prescribed by law.)
• 测量误差超出了技术规范所允许的限度。(The measurement error exceeded the limit permitted by the technical specification.)

Don't Say

• 我的限度是下午三点 — use 截止时间 or 底线 for a personal deadline or threshold; 限度 refers to a measurable extent or maximum

Origin & History

限 (limit) + 度 (degree/extent/measure) — the measured extent of a limit

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal