制裁

• Pinyin: zhì cái
• Hanzi breakdown: 制 = control; 裁 = 衣 + 戈 (cut cloth — judge/decide)

Meaning

To impose sanctions; to punish or penalise. Official measures taken to punish violations of law or international norms.

Primarily used in international relations (经济制裁 — economic sanctions), law (法律制裁 — legal sanctions), and sports (纪律制裁 — disciplinary action). Implies authoritative punishment for wrongdoing.

Examples

1. 联合国安理会决定对该国实施经济制裁。 The U.N. Security Council decided to impose economic sanctions on the country.
2. 违反比赛规则的运动员将受到严厉的纪律制裁。 Athletes who violate the rules will face severe disciplinary sanctions.
3. 法律的制裁让违法者付出了应有的代价。 Legal punishment made the lawbreakers pay the price they deserved.

Usage Guide

Context: international relations, law, sports

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 多国联合对侵略行为实施严厉的经济制裁。(Multiple countries jointly imposed severe economic sanctions on the aggressive actions.)
• 任何违法行为都将受到法律的制裁。(Any illegal act will be subject to legal sanctions.)

Don't Say

• 妈妈制裁了我 — too formal; for parental punishment, use 惩罚 or 教训; 制裁 implies official, institutional punishment

Origin & History

制 (control/restrain) + 裁 (judge/cut) — to restrain through judgement

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal