克制

kèzhì
verb HSK 7-9 #8,462

Meanings

  1. 1 to restrain
  2. 2 to exercise self-control
  3. 3 to hold back

Examples

HSK 6
Nǐ yào xuéhuì kèzhì zìjǐ de qíngxù.
You need to learn to control your emotions.
HSK 6
Tā nǔlì kèzhì zhù le fènnù.
He tried hard to hold back his anger.

Tips

usage
克制 is often used reflexively with 自己. It emphasizes willpower and self-discipline. Compare with 控制 which is broader (control anything), while 克制 specifically implies overcoming an urge.
grammar
克制住 adds the resultative complement to indicate successfully restraining something.

Stroke Order

zhì