Meaning of 制约
Definitions from CC-CEDICT.
- to restrict
- condition
How to use 制约
制约 is a formal word used for abstract forces that limit something, such as economics, resources, or rules. It works as a verb and also as a noun, often in the pattern 受到……的制约 (to be restricted by). Example: 经济发展受到资源的制约。(Jīngjì fāzhǎn shòudào zīyuán de zhìyuē.) Economic development is restricted by resources.
制 (zhì) means to control or regulate, as in 制度 (zhìdù) system, and 约 (yuē) means to bind or restrain, as in 节约 (jiéyuē) to economize. Put them together and you get something that controls and binds: to restrict or condition.
Common mistake: Learners often use 制约 for everyday personal limits, like a parent restricting a child. For that, 限制 (xiànzhì) or 管 (guǎn) sounds more natural. Also, 约 here is yuē (first tone), not yào as in 钥匙.
Stroke order for each character
Open a character for its meaning, components and more words.
制 zhì · to manufacture · 8 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
约 yuē · to make an appointment · 6 strokes
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Related words
Words that share a character with 制约.
| 制作 | zhìzuò | to make; to manufacture |
| 制造 | zhìzào | to manufacture; to make |
| 大约 | dàyuē | approximately; probably |
| 制度 | zhìdù | system (e.g. political, adminstrative etc); institution |
| 制定 | zhìdìng | to draw up; to formulate |
| 节约 | jiéyuē | to economize; to conserve (resources) |
| 约会 | yuēhuì | appointment; engagement |
| 限制 | xiànzhì | to restrict; to limit |
| 复制 | fùzhì | to duplicate; to make a copy of |
| 研制 | yánzhì | to research and manufacture; to research and to develop |
| 制订 | zhìdìng | to work out; to formulate |
| 控制 | kòngzhì | to control |
Questions about 制约
What does 制约 mean?
制约 (zhìyuē) means "to restrict; condition" and is used as a verb.
How do you write 制约?
制约 is made of 2 characters: 制 (8 strokes), 约 (6 strokes). That is 14 strokes in total.
Is 制约 an HSK word?
Yes. 制约 is on the HSK 5 vocabulary list of the HSK 3.0 standard.
How is 制约 written in traditional Chinese?
In traditional characters, 制约 is written 制約.
What is the difference between 制约 and 限制?
限制 (xiànzhì) is a direct limit someone sets, like a speed limit or a time limit. 制约 describes how one factor conditions or holds back another, often in a mutual or systemic way, like 相互制约 (mutually constrain each other).
Can 制约 be used as a noun?
Yes. It often appears as a noun after 受到 or 的, as in 受到很多制约 (subject to many constraints). You will see this a lot in news and academic writing.