专制

• Pinyin: zhuān zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 专 = 一 + 寸 (monopolize); 制 = 制 (system, control)

Meaning

Autocratic; despotic; tyrannical. A system of government where one person has absolute power.

Describes a form of government or leadership where power is concentrated in one person or group without checks or balances. Can also describe domineering personal behavior. Carries strong negative connotations.

Examples

1. 封建专制统治延续了两千多年。 Feudal autocratic rule lasted for more than two thousand years.
2. 他的管理风格过于专制。 His management style is too autocratic.
3. 人民推翻了专制政权。 The people overthrew the autocratic regime.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, history, criticism

Tone: negative

Do Say

• 历史证明专制制度终将被淘汰。(History proves that autocratic systems will eventually be eliminated.)
• 员工抱怨老板管理专制。(Employees complain that the boss's management is despotic.)

Don't Say

• 专制地帮助 — 专制 is inherently negative; it cannot modify positive actions

Origin & History

专 (exclusive, monopolize) + 制 (system, control)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal